Somebody has been using my credit card!

Col83

I'm in a pickle!!
On Saturday I received a letter from Capital One telling me I needed to get in touch with them. I rang them immediately and as it transpires, somebody has been spending a fortune on my card over the past 2 weeks!
The guy on the phone had a go at me for not updating my new mobile number (I forgot), and so I don't know what's going to happen now. Will this be covered by their insurance? I have no idea how somebody got my details, and it certainly wasn't done using my card as that's been in my wallet forever (although I've destroyed it now). What puzzles me is if it was done online why didn't the card authentication ask them for my password?

Anyway, another complication I have is that on the same day I recieved a letter from Santander offering me a 17 month 0% card with guaranteed acceptance. My finances aren't brilliant and I've always been flat out refused these type of cards. I'm dying to transfer the balance of my Capital One card to it (which was sitting at £1800 with a £4000 limit before all of this), because I'm currently paying close to 40% interest with Capital One and the balance never ever decreases!

It'd be such a financial help to take advantage of this card and start paying off my actual debt and not just interest. However in the terms it says my guaranteed acceptance is subject to 'routine fraud and anti-money laundering checks', which makes me question whether this lovely person that's been spending money on my card is going to ruin the first break I've had in a long time to getting back on track!!

Any ideas?

Thanks

DUTR

If your story is true, then I will avoid getting a CO card ever!
Forgetting to update is not the card company's fault though.

[Deleted User]

If Cap One cannot show that you made the transactions, then you nothing to worry about and the transactions will be refunded.

RE online transactions - very few sites seem to use the additional Visa/Mcard verification processes.

Col83

I haven't used the card online in a long time but when I used to, I'd be forwarded to the Visa verification screen every single time. I hope it is refunded but will this have a negative effect on me getting this 0% card? Or does the fraud check just mean have I been convicted for fraud?

Thanks

p00hsticks

Col83 wrote: »

it certainly wasn't done using my card as that's been in my wallet forever (although I've destroyed it now).

IIf it's not too late, I'd be inclined to hang on to the pieces until this is sorted, as that way you can prove that the card was in your possession if need be.

Col83

Good plan. No it's not too late, I'll hold onto it.

Thanks

dzug1

To be 'convicted' for fraud you have to appear in a court of law. That usually takes months and you can hardly fail to know about it.

eddddy

Col83 wrote: »

... Will this be covered by their insurance?

... What puzzles me is if it was done online why didn't the card authentication ask them for my password?

Thanks

Hi Col

As zx81 suggests, not all online shopping sites use Verified by Visa / MC secure.

If your card details have been used by a fraudster at a site without Verfied by Visa / MC Secure, it will probably be the merchants that lose the money - not CapOne. So CapOne probably wont be too bothered.

But... some merchants might suspect you of defrauding them. i.e. They suspect that you ordered goods and you received them, and now you are 'pulling a fast one' by getting the CC company to do chargebacks.

So you may get some letters from angry online stores asking you to pay for the goods. (If so, just reply confirming that you did not order or receive the goods in question.)

dalesrider

Col83 wrote: »

I'm in a pickle!!

No you are not.....

Col83 wrote: »

On Saturday I received a letter from Capital One telling me I needed to get in touch with them. I rang them immediately and as it transpires, somebody has been spending a fortune on my card over the past 2 weeks!

So I guess their security system had kicked in.

Col83 wrote: »

The guy on the phone had a go at me for not updating my new mobile number (I forgot),

Too right as well :mad:

My pet hate that people fail to update details, then moan that they were not contacted sooner.

Col83 wrote: »

and so I don't know what's going to happen now. Will this be covered by their insurance?

What will happen is you will be refunded and sent some paperwork to sign.

What insurance????

Col83 wrote: »

I have no idea how somebody got my details, and it certainly wasn't done using my card as that's been in my wallet forever (although I've destroyed it now).

Everytime you use your card the retailer keeps your FULL card detail. Not just online. just the same in a supermarket or petrol station etc....

Col83 wrote: »

What puzzles me is if it was done online why didn't the card authentication ask them for my password?

VbV or mastercard Secure are paid by the retailers, so not all will think the cost is worth it...
Amazon being one of them.

Col83 wrote: »

Anyway, another complication I have is that on the same day I recieved a letter from Santander offering me a 17 month 0% card with guaranteed acceptance.
I'm dying to transfer the balance of my Capital One card to it (which was sitting at £1800

Thanks

Just be aware that, that guarantee, might not be for enough to cover the £1800.

As for transfering any balance. Hold off till the fraud is sorted.

But don't let that stop you applying as this type of fraud is not on your credit report.

Col83

Thanks for the replies all.

I spoke to them yesterday and they confirmed I wouldn't be liable for it.
I also spoke to Santander and was over the moon to find I've been offered a 0% card for 17 months with a £2000 limit. This is amazing news as I can finally get rid of my Capital One card and ditch the horrible 34.9% interest I'm currently paying!
I'm hopeful I'll be debt free in the next 18 months :beer:!
I'll wait until this fraud is all settled to make the balance transfer as I have a few weeks to do it.

Thanks again :T