Credit Card Hacked with Online Order

[critter_bill]

I was contacted by one of my favorite suppliers yesterday stating that my credit card company had declined payment for a small order that I had submitted online. When I checked my CC balance online, it was over by about $3870, so I called my bank's fraud department. Sure enough, I had charges from the UK and Monaco totaling that amount. I was hacked once before in April 2010 one day after an online order with this same company. I notified the supplier both times just in case they have an internal problem. This is a reputable company that I have dealt with since 1991 and have placed many orders over the years with no problems. Both hackings occurred after they were bought by a larger company who also enjoys a longstanding good reputation.

I do know that Bud's Gun Shop was hacked sometime back but they were kind enough to notify customers. I have never seen any posts about problems with this supplier. Anyone else ever had this experience when using credit cards either online or by phone?

 

[Snuggie]

It would be nice if we knew who you are talking about so as to cover our butts from it happening again. I for one have not received any notification from the many suppliers that I order from. Thanks!

 

[25AI260]

+1 Snuggie308

would be nice.... 2 know

 

[critter_bill]

Sinclair, since they were bought out by Brownell. Both hacks occurred one day after placing online orders. The first order went through and my bank's fraud division called the next day to ask about an $0.87 charge in IA. I had placed a $487 dollar order but not an 87 cents order. The bank explained that the 87 cents was a trial balloon and had it passed thru then the hackers would have run up the charges. The one from yesterday was reversed: Sinclair order was declined because the fraudulent charges went through before Brownell processed the order. By then, the card was frozen. Not blaming Sinclair or Brownells. Hacking happens but it is odd that out of hundreds of orders placed over the years, both hacks occurred within one day of placing my order with them.

I wasn't trying to be a tease. We need to be cautious about injuring a supplier's reputation. But, if there is a problem, it should be addressed by the supplier. Thus, the question.

 

[Snuggie]

Thanks for sharing that bro!! You're right, they should have put out some type of notice. Sorry you had to go through that....twice!

 

[jonbearman]

You are right,it wasn't sinclairs fault that some scum of the earth did that.They should go to jail for life if caught.

 

[SS427]

It is possible the hack did not occur on Sinclairs end. Not saying it did or didn't, but my staff deal with malware infections all the time and some of these things capture and pass along the keystrokes as you type them. Make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date.

 

[artbosco]

Sure. It's a fact of life these days. You quickly call your CC company's Fraud Depardment and have them issue a new card.

I use a company that's one of the best. Most of the time they're calling me first, to ask if I initiated the buy because their programs have spotted something out of the ordinary.

They've got my back 100% of the time, for 100% of the fraudulent charges.

 

[JohnHenry]

May want to set up alerts on your credit card account if your bank provides those options. For example, I have an alert set up on my account for any charge that is made where the card is not actually swiped. I get an email notification within seconds if this occurs.

 

[critter_bill]

You guys have given some good advice. I check balances daily, update Microsoft Security Essential and AVG Internet Security frequently, etc. Again, I'm not slamming Brownells but rather stating that it is odd that both hacks occurred within 1 day of ordering from them. Heck, I've dealt with Sinclair since the good ole days when I would write a check for a larger amount (just in case there had been a price increase) and they would send the cash refund in a small manilla envelope. I order from many other shooter suppliers as well as Costco, Amazon, and others with no other hacks.

Funny you mention keystroke tech: We had that ability back in the 70s when I served in the Army Security Agency gathering bad guy intel. The difference is that it was hardwired. As a supervisor, I could patch into any of the other terminals and whatever they were typing would echo onto my terminal so that I could monitor the accuracy of the operators' work. Technology has grown immensely since then.

Again, my purpose for posting was to see if others had experienced a hack. I really didn't want to get into company names but if they do, somehow, have a weak system, it should be addressed. Then again, my state of SC had millions of tax records hacked a couple of years ago. I can choose to stop doing business with a poorly secured company but I can't very well quit paying SC State taxes. Although SC had provided two years of ID theft monitoring, I keep waiting for the identity theft shoe to fall.

I will check into the "no swipe" alerts. Thanks for the tip.

 

[dtucker]

You are right,it wasn't sinclairs fault that some scum of the earth did that.They should go to jail for life if caught.

Screw the jails John, all that place is is to learn the trade better. OFF WITH THE HEADS.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I had a small fee go through and get credited back that said Embassy suite something, My bank called and asked if I authorized it.. I didn't so we had are cards replaced like the bank suggested.. I think people sell your card info and we caught it as someone was checking to see if it was valid.. Lucky!! My mom had the same thing happen recently but wasn't as lucky before they charged it up.. I suggest not handing off your card to waiters or gas attendants or giving to untrusted folks over the phone..


Ray

 

[critter_bill]

Ray, I'm a cash only guy locally. I only use my CC with online orders, well 99% of the time.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I like the idea of the no swipe warning, I didn't know of that..

Ray

 

[Albany Mountain]

I checked my billing as I was hammered about the middle of last month with the fraudulent charges. Brownells had three transactions about 5 days earlier. Interesting.

 

[hunter243sgk]

I came up with a way to not have to worry about this a few years ago. I only use our pre paid cc for online or telephone orders.We registered it so we can keep it active but don't keep but a few dollars on it at any time until we are ready to make a purchase. Then we put the money needed to get what we want. This will prevent such from happening. I use the Walmart ones they are affordable and easy to reload. Hope this helps!!!

 

[snakepit]

I had charges from the UK and Monaco totaling that amount.

For charges to be made on my charge card from a foreign country I have to call the credit card company before I leave and give them the dates I will be gone and when I will be in each foreign country.

I have had my credit card number used for unauthorized purchases in the US and the credit card company has always dismissed all these charges and not charged me a penny. The only hassle is getting a new credit card but they have always shipped overnight the new card to me.

 

[letronshootit]

I was hit when I placed an order to Midway. I don't like dealing with them only as a last resort but this really made me not want to. My bank said I bought a big screen TV in the mid west at a BestBuy and ought to know about it since I live on the East coast. I got my money back within 2 weeks.

 

[tenring]

Just two weeks ago, my bank called me and asked whether I charged my Visa $167 in merchandise at Walmart using the "Bill me later" option. This happened at 2AM a week before. After confirming the call did come from my bank, I stated I never use "Bill me later" and never am awake at 2AM. Walmart was suspicious and declined the purchase. The thief was not identified.

I have no idea how he or she got my CC number. The bank immediately issued me a new Visa card.

 

[critter_bill]

I thought it odd that 87 cents in the US would trigger suspicion with my bank but that nearly $4k in two foreign countries would not. I cancelled the cards immediately and will receive the new card in 7 to 10 days. I don't think I am a favored customer because I don't carry a balance and pay 1 to 3 times a month depending on activity. Can't stand to owe money...plus I don't like to pay interest.