Alert - STC SAWA Credit Card Fraud

[Inquisition]

I take it back. I also used my card at 1-800-flowers.

maybe all of us victims can compare notes.

[onerarebum]

Just to let you know that on July 23 my debit card was charged $80.00 twice by this STC SAWA Recharge scam. So this is a big scam going around. I would love to find out which sites others that have been scamed have used. Please let me know so I can try to find out which site was not secured that I have used. Also needless to say my accounts have also been cancelled and notified of this scam

[onerarebum]

My card was used on hsn.com and publishers clearing house by phone

[Inquisition]

This is interesting.
I just Googled SAWA scam and came up with this blog. http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=220
And this as well. http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&sect...30&m=10&y=2004

This company is shady to say the least.

[Peter Cornstalk]

Ya that sucks. I never use my credit card/debit card associated with my bank account, except at ATMs if absolutely necessary.

I also keep 2 bank accounts, one I transfer money into, just enough to cover bills. I also give out direct debit and direct deposits for that account and have checks.

The other I have no card, checks or nothing for and never give the number out for direct deposit or debit. So I keep the majority of my money in it so it can't be siphoned out any way.

Originally Posted by Mad_as_Hell

I know I'll get the money back - it's the principle. It's the inconveinience and life disruption and being put into a compromising position by some piece of sh*t on the other side of the planet that will in all likelyhood continue to screw people care-free until they get tired of doing it.... The card they got was my check card from a small local bank - and I'm not Bill Gates - these thieves left me with about $200 in my account - it will take my local bank around two weeks to get the money back to me - IF I'M LUCKY - I have to go to the bank to get pocket money - or find places that will take checks - and I STILL DON"T KNOW HOW THEY GOT MY NUMBER! SO I feel like I can't protect myself from this happening again - I have firewalls up, McAffee's full version and Spyware Doctor all installed and constantly running and they STILL got my card number. I scan my computer three times a week and update frequently. I'm just saying that it will be a long time, posssibly NEVER, before I type my credit card number in again - goodbye online shopping.

[The Merg]

Originally Posted by Inquisition

I take it back. I also used my card at 1-800-flowers.

maybe all of us victims can compare notes.

Well, out of the two places that you used yours, I did use mine at 1-800-flowers, but it has been a while since the last time. I'll check my checkbook and post back. I might just list the places that I've used the credit card via phone or internet at during the past two months as well.

- Merg

[Kuulei]

Originally Posted by Inquisition

I just had this happen to me as well!
I bank at Security Service Federal Credit Union, and they were fantastic at catching the charges, and freezing my card.
The ONLY online purchase that I have made with my card in the last few months is a World of Warcraft subscription. I intend to contact them to make sure they have not been compromised.

Ok how many of the people that previously posted play WoW? I am curious to know if online gaming or recurrent subscriptions may be the culprit

[Enzo5]

I wish i would've found this site earlier...

I noticed 2 charges on saturday for 80 each and called Chase to let them know I didn't know what those charges were and did not authorise it. They told me I couldn't do anything till it actually posted on my account.

Now i check again this morning and there's 2 more charges for 80 each.
Now i'm pissed. I cancelled my card and still have to wait for the charges to post before i can do anything.

So these bastards got me for $320.

We should all get together and do something this is ****** up..

[indigoataxia]

Today I had 3 fraudulent charges against me. M&T Bank called me to report suspicious activity on my account. Three charges had been made today, 2 $80 charges by STC SAWA RECHARGE and another charge by ARCOT SYSTEMS, INC. The customer service rep said both were from Saudi Arabia. The only online buying ive done have been ebay, which i havn't used for at least a year, and Newegg which i used last week. I know my debit card hasn't been out of my possession so the only explanation I've come up with is it came from my newegg account either by spyware already planted on my pc or somehow intercepting my feed when i used newegg. I did run a spyware check and found 20 things, although thats not really uncommon for my computer. I havn't been to any suspicous sites lately.

So now im forced to wait a week until a new debit card is issued, i have to go into my bank to withdrawl, and im feeling a little insecure about my money. This definately wont be something I soon forget. Hooray for low-lifes.

[Peter Cornstalk]

Dude... 20 spyware related things on your computer every time you check it? Are these cookies?