WOT: Someone got my debit card number, and emptied my checking account Options

[nebreitling]

and the hits just keep coming..... i literally have NO time to mess with this crap.

[vent]

wake up this morning and check my balance online, need to see if some checks had cleared, and hey -- what's that? i only have $35?

someone got ahold of my debit card #, home address, etc., and opened up a paypal account on friday. and bought and bought and bought until they could buy no more. $1,126.12 to be exact.

paypal is looking to make good on it, but meanwhile, i have about 5 checks out that might not clear (one to a member here). that should prove to be fun. I LOVE BEAURACRACY!


i hope there is a special place in hell for this thief.

[/vent]

[dmenche914]

Check debit cards are in my opinion a bad idea for this very reason. A direct link to your money, all you need is a number and address, and it's like keys to the bank.

Use the credit card, that way you control the payment to them, and can question any billing before your pay them. Just pay the balance in full each month, and be sure to sign up for one of them 1% cash back with 5% cash back for food and gas purchases.

The credit card companies are easy to work, they rake in so much in interest, that they offer cash back deals, doesn't take too many folk to owe interest too turn big profit for them. You just make sure you pay in full each month, and accrue no interest, just cash back points. Not only that, you hold on to your money a little longer depending on when you make the purchase verses when your credit card payment is due.

I see no advantage to a debit card, easier to steal your money even if only temporary and money is replaced it is still a hassle, no cash back or flier mile program, and you end up paying sooner.