My cc card info stolen, to buy $950 worth of ads???

[Nate]

Curious, as I've had no unusual transactions with my credit card, or online buying through any websites that arent normal to me...

I got a 0.01 charge on the 3rd, and then on the 4th and through this morning I got several charges between $40 and $230 totaling about $950 overall.

They are ALL for Ft Myers FL based tribunes or newspapers for advertisements of one sort or another.

What the crap? How is someone making money on this? Commission on advertisement sales? The motorcycles are under priced (2010 HD cruiser for with 1800 miles for $5999 ect), but no phone is listed, only an email (different for all 4)

Ive sent my cc company after them, so, we'll see where it goes. I called all phone numbers on the companys (several of them) and they were all very cooperative and some even sent me .PDF's of the ads, saying "if it helps any"

They (in one way or another) assured me that the charges would be reverses as soon as the dispute investigations posted.

I dont know about how it could have happened, but, the why aspect is much harder to imagine.

Any ideas on wtf someone with stolen credit card info wouldnt just buy a ton of retail things and such other tangible goods?
~Nate

[spdrun]

Could be one of several things:
(1) Stolen vehicles
(2) Some sort of advance payment scam: "I'm broke and got the bike towed. I need a check for $250 to get the bike out of impound... I'm only selling it cos I lost my job..."
(3) A way to collect e-mail addys or working phone #s to sell to other scammers or marketers
(4) Something worse, like people are encouraged to bring cash when viewing the bike and get mugged.

Either contact the police, or contact the person placing the ads (anonymously) and attempt to feel out the situation. If they're selling stolen bikes and you can get them back, you may make some fellow riders very grateful. Bike thieves are the scum of the earth.

[P.C.]

The motorcycles are either stolen or nonexistent. Using a stolen credit card to buy the ads makes it difficult to trace the motorcycle seller.

[Nate]

The company's with listed phone numbers have all since killed the ads.
The were poorly written, and the phone number attached to the ad have been disconnected. And no reply from the email.

Wondering if I shouldn't have called the companys and seen what the police find out from the situation.

Oh well. 5-10 business days and it should be back to normal.

I "was" going to be buying books this week. Oh well
~Nate

[tyl604]

What is sad is that the credit card company will not give a flip about finding out who scammed your card. These folks will get away scot free and the credit card company will just chalk it up to the cost of doing business.

I had this experience with AMEX when someone stole my wife's card and charged $5000 in shoes and mens clothing at Saks within 90 minutes. Then went across the street and tried to use it for $4000 more at Bloomingdales - they called me to confirm and did not let the crooks take the clothes out of the store. But the crooks left. The police were less than interested and neither Saks nor Bloomingdale's did a thing. AMEX reversed the charges and gave me a different card number. I am still frosted that the crooks got away with it and no one cares.

[kerry]

Why would anyone pay for an ad nowadays with Craigslist being around? Are the ads some kind of coded communication? Have you looked on Craigslist for the same ads?

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Actually got a weird call at 9:45 EST this morning from the provider of one of my cards, questioning some suspicious activity. Seems someone made a $5 charge at "Family Services', in Vancouver Canada, at 8:40 EST this morning. I was told that sometimes a crook will test an account with a small amount to see if it's valid, before moving up to the big score!
That card has now been cancelled and a replacement with a different account # is on the way.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[Nate]

I managed to get the email address of one of them, and expressed great intrest in the listed bike... Here's the reply

Hi there Nate,

Thank you for your interest in my bike. My 2010 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic FLHTCUSE5 is still available.
The bike is in excellent condition, has no scratches, dents or hidden
defects. All 4 tires are brand new. The cycle has an accident free history and a clear title. I am the
first and only owner.

I have recently moved to Astoria, OR to start a new business with my
brother and I brought the bike here too.
As you probably noticed, the price is rather low: $9,800.
Shipping and handling fees will be $600, and i am willing to pay half
so the final price is $10,100 and the bike will be delivered to your
address.

Genuine reason for sale: unfortunately a divorce is forcing me to
sell it under market value.
Due to amount involved and the fact we can't deal in person, I only
accept third party mediator.
Let me know if you need more pics.
Please reply ONLY if you are a serious buyer and you have the funds ready.
Regards, John

So, I'm going to send a "3rd party" to come and "look at it" if that's ok with him, although the price is "more then fair enough to make up for any defects from wear and tear"

My CC company is working for me, this is good.
~Nate

[spdrun]

Make sure to send him $600 ... in Monopoly money. Zimbabwe dollars would also work.

[P.C.]

Originally Posted by spdrun

Make sure to send him $600 ... in Monopoly money. Zimbabwe dollars would also work.

Bump it up to $800...it does have four new tires...

[tbomachines]

LOL 4 brand new tires. Love it!