General Chat

Heather,I just got an email from brs genealogy,telling me to change my password.It was genuine,so I have done it.I believe that my credit card was accessed by the people who hacked in to that site,so they are telling porkies,our credit card details have been accessed. They are probably trying not to cause any panic,but I would prefer to know rather than be in ignorance about it. I really hate buying anything on-line,and using my credit card details.

Good on you,JaneyCanuck for being smart!

Margot.

I don't use a normal credit card or debit card to shop online. I only ever use a pre-paid credit card. It costs £4.95 a month usage fee, but I'd be paying that in interest on a normal credit card anyway...and some.

But, using that, I first have to make a trip to put the required amount of cash ON the card, before using it to make my online purchase. Nobody can use the card without funds in the account...so if the card is skimmed, they won't get anywhere, and I don't lose money. I just get a new card.

I really don't know why a lot more people haven't taken up this idea, it's far safer. People WILL get your details one way or another if they really want to, all you can do is protect them as much as possible, but you can certainly protect your money this way

Thing is, you forget that its not just your credit card stuff. By getting your name, address, phone number, email etc. on there they can steal your identity and take out loans, credit cards anything without you knowing til you get the bills for them.

Ive been scooting around changing my passwords on some sites now and Ive signed up to something my credit card company suggested, Credit Expert. They inform you if anyone tries to change anything on your credit details or if a company searches your details because someone has said they want to borrow money or open an account.

One good news I got this morning, the Card company told me that as they had spotted it so quickly (the crooks were using the card at 3 a.m. in the morning - they rang me first thing - they had managed to stop the stores sending out any of the goods the crooks ordered. Thats good, Id hate them to benefit, even if you dont lose the money.

Teresa, when they do use your credit card you dont lose any money, the card company foot it and then get it back from the suppliers for not treble checking their details. Never use a debit card on line, its like giving crooks access to your cash.

Heather,re: your first paragraph on your last post-that is seriously scary!

Now my credit card has been accessed for the second month in a row without my authority-this time for a larger amount ($39.11). I am furious-I
will have to let Visa know again,dispute the transaction, and see if I can get my credit card blocked from these low-life hackers.If you have had any credit card dealings with brs genealogy/IFHF I would advise you to keep a very good eye out for the following entry on your credit card statement-

CLKBANK*COM_DTHZ5LE2 followed by a space,then 3 separate sets of numbers,another space,then GB.If you see that,alarm bells should be ringing!

I have contacted IFHF and have told them exactly what has happened to me,and that I don't believe their assurances that our credit card details were not accessed,and are safe.

If the same thing has happened to you,you should email IFHF and let them know right away.

Margot.(from Melbourne,Australia.)

Someone on here ,(sorry,I've forgotten who), suggested using a card of low value especially for on-line transactions. I think that's a great idea,and worth looking into,especially after my experience.

We keep one card for on line use that has only £500 on it, not that we want to lose anything but £500 max seemed a good idea.

I received the same kind of E mail supposedly from an Irish bank . Checked the banks' website and there was a scam warning describing the mail in detail. It' a good idea to check the supposed company's website before taking any action on E mails. Even contact them if you must. But in fact it's good practice to delete anything which rings alarm bells. Here in Qld there's an E mail button available to send scam mail directly to the Gov scam department. Be carefull out there.