Another new feature in my blog will be Real World Advise to make life much easier.  I've said many times on my little site that I shoulda listened to my momma, and sometimes even go with my gut feelings.  Life in this day and age makes things so convenient, yet so unsafe.  Remember that phishing incident with my credit card?  Well it turns out the grand total amount s.t.o.l.e.n. from our bank account was $1,908.00 over a period of two weeks.

I'll summarize what I've learned from this incident

•  Of the above amount, $1400.00 was stolen from gas stations.
•  Our last transaction (point of sale) was at a gas station pump 
• $500 was used at two groceries using the credit feature (no i.d. was required)

We suspect that our card was 'phished' at a gas station.  Someone must have put a device on a pump we used. Normally these machines ask whether you want to use a debit or credit card.  I have no idea how they figured out our PIN or zip code...but the other last time I lost a credit card, money was also spent at a gas station.  There must be stricter rules!!   I discussed safety measures with our bank, aside from alerting them to my habits.  I do not go to a gas station and spend $140 a day.  Flag that!

My bank suggested that we never use the outside machines to transact.  Go inside and pay with the cashier. It might be inconvenient, but it is much safer.  It took 2 1/2 weeks for funds to be returned by the bank.  It was not difficult to deal with our bank, but it can be a PITB if you need your money right away. An ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure here.  Listen to Grammie! I should've listened to my mom!

Other safety measures which I'll be following per my bank's suggestion.

• Check your online bank statements daily or at least every other day.
• Monitor your credit report
• Alert credit reporting agencies for possible identity theft (TransUnion, Equifax, Experian)
• Change your passwords frequently (I'm assuming you're password safety savvy)
• Use cash or checks when you can

Be safe out there.  Technology might make life easier..for us...and for the bad guys.  Protect your valuables.