A Costly Layover
I travel a lot for work. Airports are routine to me. In fact, I know the layout of many airports by heart. Several years ago I was on a layover at O’Hare International Airport, which wasn’t uncommon, and I decided to grab a magazine and a pack of gum in one of the Hudson news shops. The entire transaction took less than 75 seconds, and nothing about the clerk seemed suspicious or out of the ordinary. My debit card was within my sight the entire time.
Shortly after I left Hudson news I boarded my plane and landed in my ultimate destination a few hours later. But by that time the damage had already been done. Someone had used my debit card to buy an online domain and some online porn. As soon as I recognized it I informed my husband (who thankfully was with me on the trip and could vouch for the fact that the purchases weren’t mine) and together we contacted our bank.
The initial conversation was awkward to say the least. “And what did they purchase with your card, M’am?” After an awkward pause, I cleared my throat and muttered, “Porn”. After another awkward silence the person on the other end of the phone pelted me with another question.
“Were you in Chicago on the 15th?” At this point I felt accused and was quickly growing annoyed. I re-explained that I had been in Chicago for less than an hour on a layover and that I had swiped my card at Hudson News. But this lady wasn’t done questioning me. She wanted to know if I still had my card in my possession (I did), and she wanted to know if I had contacted Chicago police (I hadn’t). Since the crime occurred in a state other than the one in which I resided nobody wanted to handle my crime. Apparently, I was outside of everyone’s jurisdiction.
The bank issued me a temporary credit to my account for the amount that was stolen, and promptly cancelled my card. Two weeks later I received my new card in the mail along with a letter advising me not to spend the money that had been issued under a temporary provision. According to the letter my incident was still being investigated and the funds could be withdrawn from my account at any time. Every time I called to follow up, I had to have the same embarrassing conversation with another person who worked at the bank. As soon as I told people that someone used my card to buy porn they instantly began to treat me like I was just trying to cover up my dirty little habit.
Three months later I received a letter in the mail informing me that my investigation was closed and the perpetrator couldn’t be located, but the bank would be happy to let me keep the credit as a courtesy. Imagine that. Courtesy—something I hadn’t been treated with throughout the entire investigation.
I no longer use my debit card unless it’s absolutely necessary. Instead, I use a credit card for store purchases and gasoline, and when online I opt for one of Bank of America’s Shop Safe temporary numbers. That way, even if the number is stolen, it won’t get an identity thief anywhere.
For me, a huge hassle and several degrees of embarrassment were all I had to endure. But they were enough to let me know I didn’t ever want to deal with an identity theft related crisis ever again.
