We are already past the first half of 2021, and only now do I have a first credit card breach of the year after two in 2020.
When I was typing away this afternoon, I received a text message from Schwab that there was unusual activity on my Visa Debit Card. I only use this card for foreign ATM withdrawals at terminals with a fee, which this bank refunds once a month.
I replied NO, and it then came to my mind that perhaps this was merely a phishing text. The phone number on the text was the fraud services of Schwab. But how could I be sure of the supposedly soon coming call that it was from the bank and not from some hackers?
So, I decided to call the number on the back of the card to find out what was going on and ended up holding for 20+ minutes while listening to “market” news.
There had been EIGHT charging attempts with this same merchant yesterday and today. None of them were approved, and each was just for $0. Doesn’t make much sense.
The card was canceled, and the new one is on its way.
I have been extra careful when withdrawing cash in Latin America due to my previous cloning cases in the area. As a result, I have only used bank ATMs preferably attached to a branch. No more using free-standing ATMs in shopping malls or airports.
Here are some of the fraud cases that we have covered:
MAJOR RANT: Housekeeping Theft & Credit Card Cloning In Brazil
Conclusion
I have never used this card for anything other than withdrawing cash from ATMs outside of the Euro-area area that charges a fee, as Schwab credits all these back once a month.
Difficult to tell where the card was cloned this time, but the place must be either in Mexico or Brazil, the only two countries where I have used this card in 2021. One of the bank ATMs that I used must have had a skimming machine attached.
When was the last time your card was cloned, and did the charge go through?
That’s what happens when you travel to Brazil or Mexico
There are plenty of more interesting and classy places to explore: Dallas, Blackpool, Lublin…
You’re saying Mexico or Brazil aren’t classy? I spent time in both countries never had anything skimmed it probably happened while he was in Europe.
Where I have never used this card, as I use those issued in the area.
That’s just plain and simple prejudice. You should really try to be a better person.
I will not use an ATM that is not part of the building; built into the concrete wall!
Great sign of potential trouble is when the ATM denies the transaction after putting in your PIN.
Same attack happened in Vienna/Europe in an ATM attached to building. It happens everywhere. The safest is to use ATM within a bank branch. Just google “vienna atm skimmer”
Does Schwab send replacement cards overseas? I use a Capital One card for the same reason (ATM fees refunded) and when I was in China, the chip on the card failed. I learned then that Capital One will not send cards overseas, so it would be nice to find a bank/brokerage that provides the same service as many credit cards companies do. I use a credit card for most charges but there are those countries where cash is unfortunately still king.
Btw there is an app to detect skimming device. I never found one so do not know whether it works or not but i usually use it.
Am Brazilian and *every time* I go visit family my (US) card gets cloned over there …
I wouldn’t be surprised if there are differences between the financial security systems that make foreign cards easier to clone.
Did you find the market news interesting or helpful?
This is the reason I never use ATMs in foreign countries. Even banks that are affiliated with my bank. I always have cash (local currency) and at least 2 different credit cards. Also, use a money belt if needed and split money between a purse and money belt.
Bank of America allows locking / unlocking thecthe debit card in the mobile app, also can set a purchase / cash withdrawal limit.