Happy Friday, Everyone! I hope you had a great week! Yesterday our kitchen appliances finally arrived at 7:00 am no less. We were thrilled to have them but true to form, every appliance came with a unique set of installation challenges. Then, I found out I had a challenge with my credit card. NOT good. Ever happened to you?
So, yesterday while the appliances were being installed I was busy catching up on some desk work. At any given time my desk is piled with papers, bills, magazines, my camera, etc. I thought it would be a good time to straighten up my desk, file away some papers, pay bills, and catch up on emails. I’m glad I took the time!
Last month I got an email from a “shipping” company thanking me for enrolling in an automatic subscription membership program and confirming my order. And based on my membership subscription I would be automatically charged $8.95 initially, then 30 days later, $14.95, then 90 days later 29.95 then $49.95 depending on which program I chose. Problem was, I didn’t enroll in anything! I checked my bank statement and they did indeed charge me $8.95. And they charged me the same the month before! I asked my husband if he signed up for a shipping service and he said no. (I thought it might be a new Amazon Prime deal or something)
The email contained a phone number and email address where you could unsubscribe. Last month I called the number and a recording assured me the company was no longer in service and I would not be charged for further shipments. Well, I had already been charged for 2 “shipments” but never received anything in the mail. I followed the phone call up with an email asking to cancel my so-called subscription. I thought it was a mistake and was settled. Until yesterday I got another email thanking me for my purchase and they charged my card an additional $8.95! Again I tried calling the number but got the same recording claiming they were out of business.
Time to call the bank! I called the bank and actually spoke to a human. A very nice and helpful human! After reviewing the information with me, she advised me to cancel my card and order a new one, which I did. She filed a fraud claim against the “shipping” company while we were on the phone and credited my account back for the three charges of $8.95 all in the course of 15 minutes.
I have NO idea how these people got my account information, but a word to the wise, check your bank statements carefully. This is how fraud works. They start out small and see if you notice. If you don’t, who knows what can happen? I’m thankful that I was able to catch the fraud early. It’s a shame that some people choose to make money this way. So, be careful out there! (My featured picture is Simon, one of my fisherman lamps looking wise.)
On a happier note, our new appliances are in! Next week I’ll share them with you. Meanwhile, I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thank you for stopping by! xoxo Dell