Check Accounts for Widespread Fraudulent Charges
In recent days and maybe weeks, many people have noticed fraudulent charges on their credit cards. This is nothing new, as I’m sure everyone has received fraud alerts for unknown charges in the past. But these recent reports that come from reddit and Doctor of Credit, seem to be all at once and are widespread.
What’s even more interesting is that they include some of the same charges, which most likely means that it is related to a data breach somewhere. Some of the merchants where these fraudulent charges are showing up are:
- coloadtest.com
- SUMUP
- Wfxb
- Angela Singleton
So take a look at your credit card accounts and make sure that there aren’t any unknown charges for these merchants or others. And let us know if you come across similar fraudulent charges. This is affecting most issuers.
It Gets Worse
The normal course of action in these cases is to contact your credit card issuer to let them know that your card information has been compromised. The issuer will usually cancel your card and issue you a new one.
However, some people have reported that after, or even before the new card arrives, new fraudulent charges have already started to appear. Some merchants update card information automatically, “for your convenience”. So a stop payment might be required as well for specific merchants.
As you would expect, most card issuers are also refunding the unauthorized charges that have been reported. But not all of them. Strangely, American Express has claimed in several instances reported by Doctor of Credit that the cardholder is responsible for the charges. Looks like they will eventually refund the charges once you dispute for a second time though. So don’t give up.
Conclusion
You should always take a quick look at your statements every month. You can often catch any unauthorized charges, or maybe even recurring charges that you might have forgotten about.
Take a look at your accounts now, and let us know if you have been affected by this possible data breach. Also please include any relevant information about how your credit card issuer has handled your requests regarding this matter.
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Just happened to me with my American Express card. I disputed the charges and the investigation concluded that I was responsible for it. I again disputed it since it was a fraudulent charges, and I am waiting for their response.
Is this any and all Cc?
I originally thought it was BBVA
My BankAmericard Better Balance Rewards Visa Platinum Plus received a fraudulent charge from coloadtest.com (COLOADTEST.COM COLOADTEST.COFL) on 02/18/2021. I ONLY use this credit card for a monthly Adobe (ADOBE PHOTOGPHY PLAN 408-536-6000 CA) subscription, which was charged on 02/15/2001. I conducted a fraud dispute and Bank of America refunded the $1.45 charge on 02/19/2021 and sent me a new credit card. In addition to Adobe the credit card was stored on the gift card selling site Cardpool, but that company just went bankrupt. So, Adobe and Cardpool are the only plausible options how the card information was fraudulently retrieved.
My wife’s Chase Ink Cash got an email for “did you make this transaction? we declined it” security message for a $6.xx charge from VIXLNLRJKFBAKH NDAYQ. Totally fraudulent, she clicked on the “no” and Chase sent out a new card.
Currently in the midst of 2 x COLOADTEST disputes for $1.xx with Amex, one personal, one biz account, and they were both closed “in merchant’s favor” (phenomenal job destroying any goodwill I was feeling towards them). Now I’m waiting to see how re-disputes go