Yesterday somewhere between returning a shirt and buying 6 sheets of scrapbook paper I was unknowingly scammed. Hear me when I say, totally clueless. It wasn't until about 7:00 last night when I received a phone call from our bank fraud protection agency that I was informed of the situation.
Funny thing, I was skeptical of the fraud protection call. She identified herself and told me of a potential fraudulent situation with my bank card. She went through a few legitimate charges. She then mentioned a charge to TJ Maxx. When she said a suspicious charge was declined for $300 I knew something was up. Houston we have a problem~ my typical charges are more in the $5-$10 range! Not to mention the card was in my possession the entire time.
I was straining my brain to recall the day. It went like this. I ran into Michael's and bought 6 sheets of paper for party invitations. I then returned a shirt to Marshalls and purchased an ipod accessory. My phone rang and I took the call. I typically don't talk and shop, but it was an important call regarding G and a speech evaluation. I talked and walked through TJ Maxx. I didn't purchase anything in the store.
Today I had to call the bank and go through the rig-a-marole of "stolen" card paperwork. I am still unsure of exactly what happened. I have never walked up to a register with items and when asked for payment said, "charge it to 111-222-3333." I know that times are changing, but last time I checked you still have to present a card to complete a transaction. My best guess is someone in one of the first two stores had a friend in the third. Employee in one store called friend/employee in second store and manually entered a charge. Sounds like an inside job between employees, but your guess is as good as mine?
When this sort of thing happens you go through a range of emotions. I feel violated, upset, confused, but most of all sad. I am sad that someone with such a "creative" mind is letting it go to waste.
Rosemary Focaccia
8 years ago
