You are familiar with the saying, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.” The truth of this statement hit me in the face just a few minutes ago.
I sometimes have difficulty coming up with ideas for this column and tonight was no exception. Call it writer’s block, mental blank or whatever you want – I was stuck. I opened and closed my laptop a couple of times hoping for the muse of a local columnist to take pity on me and zap me with inspiration. Miraculously, inspiration came, not with lightning but with ringing. Yes, my wish had been granted with a single phone call.
“Huh, who is ‘CHASE B?” I asked, looking at the caller ID.
“Chase Bank – better answer it,” Steve replied. Of course, it’s not like we censor our calls or anything.
A man’s voice greeted me, verified my name and address. He explained that he was with Chase Bank and that he was investigating possible fraudulent activity.
“Is your Chase MasterCard in your possession at this time?” he asked in a cold, serious voice.
A quick check in my purse revealed that, yes, I still had my card. “I’ve got it right here? Why? What happened?”
He just repeated, “I’m checking for possible credit card fraud,” and began asking more personal questions. “Did you make a purchase from Amazon.com in the amount of $12 on Nov. 1?”
“Uh, yeah. I bought a knitting book. I’m making a pair of socks and I lost my first book.” I ramble when I get nervous, so the poor man had to put up with my side comments on nearly every item.
He didn’t comment, so I figured sock knitting posed no threat. “And on Nov. 1 did you make a purchase from Apple iTunes?”
“Erin wanted Taylor Swift’s new song.” There was no sound. “Uh, yes, that purchase is valid.” Pull it together, Mary! Your identity has been compromised.
Steve, listening intently, interjected, “Hang up. Don’t give them any personal information.”
“OK. And a $703.36 charge from Harini Jewels?”
“WHAT! Good gosh no!”
“Yes, that is the questionable charge. It was made from India. Have you been to India recently?”
Steve again, “Hang up.”
“No, of course not. I’ve never been to India, although I’ve always wanted to go …”
“Yes, ma’am. Now what we are going to have to do is cancel this card.”
At this point Steve got my attention. “Tell him you’ll call back. This phone call might be a fraud.”
Puzzled, it took a second for what he was telling me to register. Ah, this could be a vile attempt to snag my card numbers. But he seemed so nice and I tend to be the trusting sort.
“Um, I need to make sure this isn’t a fraudulent call,” I said, trying not to sound like I had just insulted him. The thought of some stranger using my credit card to make wild purchases made me ramble on faster than before. Steve gave me the classic “you really are crazy” look followed by the more recent “hang up the phone he could be a con artist” look.
I figured the man would try to stop me, but instead he said, “Yes, ma’am. That is fine. You just need to ask for the fraud department.”
After hanging up, Steve informed me about the insidious nature of credit card scams. Then I called the number on the back of my card. What a joy to learn that over $1,400 of charges had been made without my consent. The first phone call from Chase was a real one and I am a victim of credit card fraud.
So I got my wish – an idea for my column. However, like most classic stories, wishes often come at a price. As I sit by the phone waiting for “CHASE B” to call me back with the final fraud report, I must conclude with the only three words left to me:
To be continued …
Features
Fraud brings unwanted inspiration
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
- Features
-
-
SLIDESHOW: Sports figures react to Joe Paterno's death
Players, coaches and sports journalists took to Twitter on Sunday morning to react to the death of former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno.
-
Viral video: Announcer goes nuts after full-court shot wins game
One college basketball play-by-play radio host likely needed some throat lozenges when he woke up Sunday morning, a day after his shocked, screaming reaction to a game-winning basket.
-
Viral video: Groom surprises bride with Justin Bieber dance
The choreographed wedding dance is a staple of a healthy viral video diet, right up there with cute kittens and babies laughing at everyday sounds. Still, it's hard not to smile when you watch one as well-executed as this groom's Justin Bieber tribute to his new bride.
-
Viral video: Anchor has Ron Burgundy moment on live TV
A morning meteorologist at a TV station in Green Bay, Wis., had a real-life Ron Burgundy moment this week thanks to a prank by one of his co-workers.
-
Christmas sights
A dog at the entrance of a house on North Race Street got a festive touch for the holidays.
-
Viral video: Woman makes amazing hockey goal, wins truck
Some folks are calling it a "miracle on ice." A 59-year-old woman who had never held a hockey stick made a nearly impossible goal, sending a puck into a tiny opening to win a brand new truck.
-
Viral video: FedEx guy tosses computer monitor over fence
During the holidays more than any other time, shoppers rely on delivery services to bring important packages to their doorsteps safe and sound. But a YouTube video gone viral shows that sometimes, packages aren't exactly handled with care.
-
Viral video: Senior citizens stage flash mob
Flash mobs aren't just for teenagers anymore. A group of senior citizens proved it recently after staging a song and dance inside the Christmas decorations department of the Target store in Lawrence, Kan.
-
Guide to this year's hottest gift: The tablet
Tablet computers and e-readers are extremely popular and are expected to be strong sellers this holiday season despite a weak economy. But the array of models and brands can confound many potential gift-givers. Check out this guide to tablet-giving on any budget.
-
Gift card givers, beware: 6 tips to protect your purchase
Many shoppers looking for a simple, easy present for friends and family this holiday season will turn to gift cards, letting the recipient do the shopping at their favorite store or restaurant. But the Better Business Bureau says consumer complaints about gift cards are on the rise, and buyers need to beware of potential pitfalls.
- More Features Headlines
-
Romney, Gingrich Focus on Hispanic Voters in Fla
'Barefoot Bandit' Sentenced to 6 1/2 Years
Animatronic Dinosaurs Take Over Aussie Museum
Friend on 911 Call: Demi Moore Was Convulsing
Tabby Cat Gets New Knee
Conn. Home Invasion Killer Sentenced to Death
Six Months Out, London Says It's on Track
Obama Decries Rising Cost of College Education
Romney So Far Mute on Mexican Roots
Bomb Kills Dozens at Iraq Funeral Procession
Raw Video: Partial Collapse at Ohio Casino Site
Cat in Cockpit Causes Four-hour Flight Delay
Hillary Clinton Done With Political "High Wire"
Raw Video: Thousands Gather to Remember Paterno
Mayor Blasted for 'Taco' Quip About Latinos
NYC Police Commissioner's Son Being Investigated
Roof Collapses at Hockey Practice
Raw Video: Brazil Building Collapse
Man Steals Stuffed Animals, Seeking Companions
Giffords Resigns House Seat to Focus on Recovery
