Charges on checking account

Hi Someone,

Welcome to forums.

ID thieves are very smart nowadays. You just cannot imagine how they can steal your personal info. It seems that you are a victim of ???Phishing scam'. Have you received any email from your bank or any other financial institute that asks for your debit card number recently?

Phishing scam is a new addition in the list. Here the scammers host a website similar to that of your bank. Then they send bulk mails with link to this mirror site. When people click on the link from these emails and come to the duplicate site, they are asked to enter their accounting details and scammers catch them right on.

FTC provides immense support to the victims of Phishing scam. You are already on the right track. Still I would suggest filing a report with local police. Also consider contacting credit bureaus in this matter. You never know what they have done with your debit card number besides ordering flowers.

Have a look-
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/

Like Stanley stated above, file a police report asap. Since it was a debit card, you may want to close your account and open a new one. Just a suggestion.

This thread gives the importance of knowing the preventive tips for identity theft:

• You should be very alert when you are carrying your social security card with you. Its better not to carry it unless required.
  
  
• Don't have your SSN# in your driving license. Get it removed with the help of DMV.
  
  
• Equal safety should be given to health insurance cards, check book etc.
  
  
• Don't carry your SSN# with other important cards like military dependent card, Medicare card, etc
  
  
• If you have multiple cards, it is wise to carry only one card at a time.
  
  
• Pick your mails promptly.
  
  
• Use U.S. Postal mail boxes while sending checks with your bills.
  
  
• Shred the mails properly after its use is over.
  
  
• Be very alert if someone is asking for your personal information. Never give it in the interest unless it is a secure website. It will be represented by a ???lock' sign at the bottom.
  
  
• Monitor your credit and bank statements very thoroughly. It might happen that some charges will be added on it and you have not given your attention to it at the right time.
  
  
• Use your credit card to order for any products in the internet. Don't use your debit cards as it's attached with your bank account directly.