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+--- Thread: A Lesson Learned (/showthread.php?tid=7766)
A Lesson Learned - kanesa - 03-23-2006
I recently was notified by Capital One that I had what appeared to be fraudulent claims on my credit card. Sure enough there were 2 attempts. They were for small amounts, $25 and $75. Certifion Corp. and Western Union. As far as I can tell it was through my YahooWallet account that I forgot I even had set up. The thing that made me really nervous is that Western Union called me about this after Capital One did. I have an unlisted number. Capital One says they do not give out names and numbers. Don't know how they got my phone number.
What I have learned. To change my passwords. I was lazy about this and I also tended to use the same username and password for a lot of sites. Not anymore. And I will change them every few months now. I will have to keep written lists now of all my passwords.
Also, signing out of sites. I don;t always do this.
I will not use Yahoo or other sites like this on public computers without signing out/logging off. Although I may shut down the computer, I am still logged on. I used my Yahoo account at work. I would come home from work and find that I was still logged on to Yahoo. Yahoo has only one password for all it's accounts. It may be simpler for the user, but it also is simpler for people trying to get into your accounts. . Never bought anything at work but somehow someone got it.
I have reported the fraud to all 3 credit bureaus and have a fraud alert at all three. It may be harder for me to get a loan now but I sleep better knowing that it will be harder for anyone else.
If anyone else can think of something else I should do, let me know. Of course, the original Capital One account was closed immediately.
Re: A Lesson Learned - Seacrest - 03-23-2006
This is why I don't use yahoo or gmail accounts for anything non-trivial or financial. And I also limit my online purchases to a few select vendors. Frankly, if I can't get it through Amazon, I might not buy it.
I'm glad they caught it in time for you, though.
Re: A Lesson Learned - kanesa - 03-24-2006
Oh, I forgot the one benefit from this is that all three credit bureaus are removing my name from pre-approved credit card applications inquiries.
Less junk mail for the next 3 months.
Re: A Lesson Learned - kap - 03-24-2006
I shall pass on your story to my family and friends who are so careless about their web accounts esp. with public PCs. Thanks !
Kap
Re: A Lesson Learned - wurm - 03-24-2006
Kanesa, at least for your main home computer, you might consider something like this: http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/17864&vid=103645
I'm sure there are several other similar things available, but I've been using CiphSafe for a couple of years and it's very nice knowing I only have to really remember one password. I generally alternate between three of four combinations of user IDs and passwords at different sites, but for a couple of sites, I had CiphSafe generate unique obscure passwords, just to be extra safe.
Re: A Lesson Learned - MacMagus - 03-24-2006
> will not use Yahoo or other sites like this on public computers without signing out/logging off.
NEVER SIGN ON TO ANY ACCOUNT ON A PUBLIC COMPUTER.
Don't you read?
There are stories in the paper every week about how many of those machines (most) are set up to grab your logins and record your emails. Even the most legit-seeming pay-machines in airports and business centers of hotels are often completely under the control of hackers.
Just about every computer on the 'net is scanned for vulnerabilities several times a week by bots under the control of hackers, mobsters, and any script kiddie with free time and a potential credit card number buyer. When they find one of those public terminals the JACKPOT lights go off.
Just don't do it.