Online Check Scam Warning

cnp55
Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:04:23 +0000

Just thought I would post a “Heads UP” for my CC friends.

I own a small business and do online banking – which essentially means that I download transactions (both cleared checks and credit card deposits etc) from my bank and reconcile almost daily. I also pay some bills online. Yesterday when I downloaded the most recent transactions there was one I did not recognize.

The check was out of sequence – by a LOT – and it was for $29.95. I was unable to view the transaction online (usually I can see the check images) so I called my bank. They pulled it up, and faxed it over to me. Then, I was really confused since it didn’t seem to match anything I might have done. Called the phone number on the transaction and it turned out to be a monthly membership for an online porn site.

What was really scary was that this was my business account which is in business name only – and they’d somehow scared up my formal formal name – which is only associated with my formal ID credentials. In other words, the formal version of cnp is not on my business cards, or my email – it’s only on my passport, drivers license, and my credit card etc. but none of that is associated with my bank account number. Normally, everyone calls me nickname-cnp and almost no one even knows formal-cnp.

The guy on the phone claimed they’d reverse the charge, but not to cancel it at my bank because then I would get double refunded. (For all the hassle and scam trouble I think I deserve double refunds …) Of course I called my bank and reported the whole mess – and then went over today and closed the old account, opened a new account, ordered new checks, deposit tickets and an FDO stamp. (Total cost to me – $300) As of today, the charge had not been reversed, but the bank is taking it off.

When I googled Worldwide Entertainment (the company in question) along with online check scam – lots comes up. So – this is your public service announcement to watch your checking account! Apparently the amount is almost always $29.95.