Identity Theft Update

[trooper6]

Well...an update. It turns out that the perp also opened an account at epassporte.com using my info and took out $300. So currently, the criminal took all the money I have and has left me penniless. But, the bank will refund the $300, I called epassporte.com and cancelled that account, and the mass of my money is still pending and so not actually gone.

I found the company on the internet this money was supposed to go to (in Barcelona) and called them up. They found the charge and it was made by a guy in London. They did further checks, and this guy placed orders using other credit cards as well...so the Barcelona company called the London police and will try to get ahold of the other credit card holders. They said they wouldn't process the charge if I sent them a fax saying I didn't place it and sent in a copy of my ID proving who I am. So after faxing away, hopefully the money won't actually be taken out of my account. I did further Googling on the guy's name (I don't want to say in case the London police are doing some sort of sting) and I found people complaing of him doing ebay scams. So all around this guy seems like a piece of work.

More good news. Going into the branch today I learned that the villian didn't have access to my online banking. The transfer was an automatic one to cover the large order he placed...so that, at least, is not compromised. The blackguard *only* had my checking account number and debit card info.

So I opened a new checking account, have to wait for all my pending charges to clear before closing my old account (and hope the swine doesn't take my paycheck that will soon be arriving) and doing the long, involved process of switching over my direct deposits and autopay stuff.

Comments

[merchimerch.livejournal.com]

Oh dear! Do you need anything I can provide? A hot meal and/or some staples for your larder is doable on my budget (I'm making meatloaf and taters tonight and would happy to set you aside a plate).

I realize you probably have support systems in place, but seriosly let me know if there's anything I can do.

[trooper6.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the offer! How are you by the way. I haven't chatted with you in a million years.

Right now, I think I'll lean on my credit card and try to get my coming paycheck moved somewhere secure really quickly.

[merchimerch.livejournal.com]

I'm doing alright - it's been a really hectic year, but a good one. We should really meet up and chat sometime though - I'm on campus M/W.

[c3pomeara.livejournal.com]

@!"#(*#@!*(

I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible. I am very impressed by your sleuthing work. I can't believe how international this all is!

[arlan-bishop.livejournal.com]

Am very sorry to hear about your trouble in this area. It's good to hear that things seem to be getting fixed. Best of luck.

[bluejogger.livejournal.com]

I'd be willing to bet that your work could stop depositing your paycheck (or switch it over to the new checking account) with as little as 48 hours notice, especially if you explain the situation to your payroll department.

[gwynny.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, that totally sucks. I had my credit card stolen a few months ago (which is, I admit, not an event involving the level of international intrigue that your identity theft seems to) but MasterCard was very cool about handling it. Luckily financial institutions are pretty nice about helping those of us with such problems.

Also: I love that you used the word "blackguard" in ordinary conversation.

[beatricekiddo.livejournal.com]

Well that's shitty. But I'm glad it's working out in the end. Even if it is causing you some unnecessary time and energy straightening things out. I had to go through something similar myself not too long ago, so I totally empathize.