Dave's Place The internet home of David Hinkle, a guy who plays way too many video games

I am a Victim of Identity Theft

Earlier this week, I got a call from my bank about some curious charges on my Visa check card. I'm usually on top of my bank accounts, but I haven't peeked at my checking account online for about a month, so I called the bank back and they claimed someone in California was running up charges with my check card. Seeing as how the thing never escapes my wallet, I was pretty much stumped as to how this could happen.

The individual running amok with my card must've gotten the info during my week at E3 this year -- the first week of June -- and sat on it for a few months. Regardless of how this person got the info, they've racked up over $500 in goods at various retailers since Black Friday.

At first, it seemed like there was very little that could be done, save for my bank shutting down the card and crediting the money back to my account. However, I got in touch with my local police department and they were able to discern exact times at some of these locations -- retailers which had security cameras.

So my next step is to take this info and call the CA police departments where the offenses took place. Hopefully this person is caught, but take this as a warning to be extra safe with your check/credit cards. I used to use my check card all the time and rarely took out cash. I'm certainly reconsidering that convenience going forward.

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