The Credit Card Compromise

This happened to me around a month ago –

It was a Friday  night , and I just got to bed and must have been half asleep when the ring tone for my SMS rang continuously – Must have been four messages – I do not get many SMS messages these days  – may be one a day and four at that time was unusual . I hauled myself out of bed to take a look – The next five minutes , my emotions ran  from shock to anxiety to disbelief to high tension and finally some relief but  ended with lot of worries –

What I read was four messages indicating OTP numbers being generated for Foreign Currency transactions . As I was just trying to figure out , I got two more SMS messages that indicated completion of transactions in British Pound Currency and US Dollars—The total of the transactions that were executed were half my credit limit  With my pulse pounding , I called the Call Center ( I remembered this instantly which was my advantage at that point ) , punched in my Card Details, verified my credentials  and quickly got to the executive – I requested him to first block the card – My anxiety was that whoever got my card details can still use it and get the balance of the credit limit available . Mercifully , during this call with the bank , I did not get any more SMS messages – the bank person confirmed that he had blocked the card – When I explained that the card was with me and the transactions were fraudulent , he raised the dispute on the two transactions and assured that the bank will not honour if the merchant who executed the transactions presented it for payment . But , he said a Police complaint had to be formally lodged ASAP. He also asked me if he can send a replacement card . In that state , I did not want a new card – The call being completed and although being assured , I could not sleep for a couple of hours. I was wondering where and how the compromise of my card could have occurred – just could not figure it out that night and till now .

The next day , I started my journey to file the Police complaint – I went to the local police station,  who referred me to the Cyber Crime Cell that operated out from a central location.

As I reached , I was stopped at the gate and the person at the gate was very nice – Once I made him aware of the issue , he quickly told me what needs to be done –

Complaint letter , Copies of the SMS that I got , Credit card copies etc etc. – he guided me to the nearest Business Center( Xerox kadai ) that can print out / take copies of all that I needed . The shop guys were more welcoming – “ Enna sir ? Credit Card pocha ? “ . We will set you all the documents – We see plenty of customers was their response. Within minutes  I was armed with all copies , complaint letter etc etc.. The guy at the gate now welcomed me  back --  “’ Ellam Correcta Irukku”  -- neenga ulla Pollam --- But from there, I had to pass through three security/ visitor pass scrutiny’s, before I could get to the  Main Complaint receipt section . Waiting time for personnel to arrive was close to one hour.. Write here , give this copy , sign here , go to that desk and I moved from one desk to another. Once the complaint was recorded , I was asked to see the “ Cyber Cell “for Bank Frauds – Once more round of forms , copies of documents , same documents and again after recording my statement and updating in to their system , I was told that I need not worry and monies would be got back – Whole process although it took six hours was comforting as the Cops who dealt with this seem to know what was happening ( as I write this,  one wrong usage of US dollars has been reversed ) –

 Some learnings that I wanted to share :

1.      Do not be too much thrilled  if the bank gives you a big Credit limit – higher the limit , higher the risk when the card gets misused.

2.      Do not leave the CVV number on the card – Memorise and then scratch it off the card.

3.      OTP  is not a requirement when the card is used for Foreign currency transactions – Once the fraudsters get your card details , they can pretty much use the card with no strings attached.

4.      Keep the Call Center numbers of your Credit card agency always accessible to you – it is important to respond quickly and block the card

5.      Do file the Police Complaint – it may be time taking but the process works –

6.      Avoid using the card in  remote stores ( mainly on highways )— I had travelled just a couple of days prior and was happy to use the Card wherever it was accepted in remote areas.

7.      My card seems to have been compromised in the International Airport through which I came but it is very difficult to conclude

8.      Do not leave the credit card – Always have physical custody of it – Be extra attentive when using it -

9.      Credit cards may be a great convenience tool when travelling or otherwise but Cash remains King !