Credit Card Fraud Alert

For the second time I can remember, our credit card was hacked and charged fraudulently. Last time it was for rental of self-storage units in the Oakland hills. Turns out, the renter used his own name on the rental agreement, and a search of the units he rented turned up several thousands of dollars in stolen property. Hmmmmm ..... probably could have been smarter than using his own name!

This time the charge was from England, in pounds Sterling converted to US dollars. In addition to the actual charge, the credit card company charged us a "foreign transaction fee." Talking with the credit card representatives, I found out that they also refused a second transaction for the same company for over $800 US. It's common for thieves to run a small transaction to test the card number and make sure it's valid, and to follow that transaction with one that's 20 to 30 times larger ..... real money!!

Needless to say, the card is no longer active, and the fraudulent charge will be reversed next invoice.

The website of the company making the fraudulent charges is

http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/destinations/locations/birmingham.aspx

Check your card statements! Call your credit card company!

Cheers!