Credit Card / Paypal Scam

[Russ Whittemore]

Just checked my AMEX statement and found a paypal transaction for "Extreme Search Engine" for $399.95. I didn't recognize this at all, so I checked my paypal account summary and lo and behold, there is no record of the transaction. So...I set the usual wheels in motion, call AMEX, cancel the card, call Paypal (that's another thread all by itself :Devil ) and then remove the card from my paypal account as well. Now I've hopefully put a tourniquet on the bleeding and I can't find any other fraudulent transactions related to the compromised card, but of course it will be several days that I'll be without the card, which is a moderate PITA.

Anyway, I'm left with several troubling questions and I thought I would throw them out for our diverse and experienced TGP brothas and sistas to weigh in on

1. How is it that the card statement records this as a Paypal transaction and it doesn't show up in my account?

2. Amplifying on this - if paypal can pull up some minimal info on the transaction (there's an email associated with the paypal records which I can't finger), why doesn't it make it to my account summary?

3. I am VERY cautious about my online transactions and religiously check my various card statements and credit reports at frequent intervals - I would consider my knowledge of online scams and my general paranoia level to be well above average. I NEVER surf in windows and always use OS X when browsing or buying online. Where could the point of attack be here?

4. How could I tell if it was my paypal account that was primarily compromised?

5. If my credit card was captured primarily, how was the paypal payment engineered?

6. Fortunately, my linked checking account for paypal is a separate, low balance account maintained expressly for this purpose. SHould I close it anyway, or wait for the card company and paypal to get back to me first?


Thanks, all!

Russ

[Bones]

I don't know the answers to your questions, but it's hard to believe that 5 minutes into the day that Amex isn't aware of the scam and blocking those transactions.

[jerseydrew]

I don't think it was necessary to cancel your AMEX card. Worse comes to worse, just tell AMEX your wallet was stolen. They'll cancel the card and send you a new one with a NEW number.

Also, why didn't AMEX help you with this problem? That doesn't make sense. AMEX always helps. Always.

[Russ Whittemore]

Sorry - I could have been more precise in my description. The fraud division said that the card number I was currently using HAD to be deactivated under the cricumstances - not negotiable. AMEX, in their usual very helpful fashion is taking care of the charge issues - it's already off my statement. They've always been excellent to work with on security related problems. No complaints there. I'll have my new card and number in about a week.

[goodwill559]

It may not have anything to do with Paypal itself. Just as more than one business can have the same DBA, i.e., goodwill559 inc. DBA Subway, some outfit calling itself Paypal, Pay Pal, or some derivative thereof, gets a hold of your number and makes the bogus charge. It doesn't show up on your Paypal transaction history because it wasn't really a Paypal transaction.

[Doug's Tubes]

Just checked my AMEX statement and found a paypal transaction for "Extreme Search Engine" for $399.95. I didn't recognize this at all, so I checked my paypal account summary and lo and behold, there is no record of the transaction. So...I set the usual wheels in motion, call AMEX, cancel the card, call Paypal (that's another thread all by itself :Devil ) and then remove the card from my paypal account as well. Now I've hopefully put a tourniquet on the bleeding and I can't find any other fraudulent transactions related to the compromised card, but of course it will be several days that I'll be without the card, which is a moderate PITA.

Anyway, I'm left with several troubling questions and I thought I would throw them out for our diverse and experienced TGP brothas and sistas to weigh in on

1. How is it that the card statement records this as a Paypal transaction and it doesn't show up in my account?

2. Amplifying on this - if paypal can pull up some minimal info on the transaction (there's an email associated with the paypal records which I can't finger), why doesn't it make it to my account summary?

3. I am VERY cautious about my online transactions and religiously check my various card statements and credit reports at frequent intervals - I would consider my knowledge of online scams and my general paranoia level to be well above average. I NEVER surf in windows and always use OS X when browsing or buying online. Where could the point of attack be here?

4. How could I tell if it was my paypal account that was primarily compromised?

5. If my credit card was captured primarily, how was the paypal payment engineered?

6. Fortunately, my linked checking account for paypal is a separate, low balance account maintained expressly for this purpose. SHould I close it anyway, or wait for the card company and paypal to get back to me first?


Thanks, all!

Russ

Do you check online, or your snail mail paper statement?

[bluesjuke]

I got an Email about a week ago for UK. Stripper's.something or other.
I went to my Paypal account (typed in the address instead of link) and it didn't show.
I sent Paypal an Email telling them of the original Email and told them it was not a valid charge.
The first Email said it was on hold .

Haven't heard anything back from them yet.
It was for $127. and change.

[XKnight]

Sounds like your credit card number was stolen, but it may have nothing to do with your Paypal account. As stated above, just because the transaction is called "paypal" on your credit card statement does not mean it really came from paypal. I would have Paypal dig deeper to make sure though.

[FlyingDutchman]

paypal may have processed the transaction for the other party..Your credit card was just used as a method of payment thru paypal. Not necessarily your account.

Sounds like your acct. was stolen. Could have been anybody. A clerk at a store, gas station..who knows..Amex is great about taking care of the card holder.

[Blue Strat]

Also, why didn't AMEX help you with this problem? That doesn't make sense. AMEX always helps. Always.

Good question. Amex merchants are certainly paying enough for them to offer customer service. :FM

[pfflam]

maybe it reads as a Paypal transaction because someone used their own Paypal account to get money from your card, charging you for "Extreme Search Engine" . . . if so, then couldn't that be somewhat easily traced?!

[tonedaddy]

I got an Email about a week ago for UK. Stripper's.something or other.
I went to my Paypal account (typed in the address instead of link) and it didn't show.
I sent Paypal an Email telling them of the original Email and told them it was not a valid charge.
The first Email said it was on hold .

Haven't heard anything back from them yet.
It was for $127. and change.

Hey, it's ok.
If you need to post here to complete the cover story for your significant other,
we understand.
;) :D

<j/k>