Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge in Spam, Scam and Phishbusters http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r16712181 en Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:47:12 EDT Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:47:12 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17401922 JonnyBass : I was just hit with a $5 charge from "REQWEST 949-226-7168 IL" on my Wells Fargo Visa card. I disputed the charge and cancelled the card. Wells said that in their computer the charge was for "books and newspapers." I did not order any of these things. Calling the phone number, I just got "Mailbox full" voice message.

None of the people I spoke to at Wells said they'd ever heard of this. Odd, don't you think, will all these people such as those on this board reporting all this? Some of these fraudulent charges are getting through unquestioned, or they've only begun to hit Wells, or it is actually pretty rare? I sure wish someone with some clout would look into this.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17401922 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:06:05 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17400026 renm99 : I to have been hit for small charges on two different credit cards this month. A and G Vidal Corp FL for $10.00 and Ficas Templates WI for $12.95. My other card was hit with Swan Software for $7.95 and Phoenix WebDesign NJ for $12.95. I called and have reported the fraud and also went to my Police department and filed a report against these companies. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17400026 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 07:04:19 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17288005 anon : :(I too was charged on 10/15/06 by FICAS TEMPLATES $12.95. Phone #2629979372 (from WI). Two days later a charge was posted to my Account from Digital Books, Inc. $15.00. Phone #3126380835 (from IL). I called those numbers. I just got a stupid message to leave my name and number & they will get back to me. HA! If I am going to give them any more info to use against me!!! I called my bank and cancelled my card!! THIS WORLD REALLY NEEDS A REVIVAL WITH MORALS & GOD IN IT!!! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17288005 Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:59:51 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17220933 allen214 : Your dedicated hunt is very much appreciated!

I discovered this site and Robert Brown's the same way as many others -- running a Google search for FICAS to see what I was supposed to have purchased and getting them as top hits. The bogus charge for CFM came several weeks earlier, and Chase told me the company sold something university related (and I think he also said books). When "the foreign man" called to return my message, I think he also made a vague reference to "university" (and, perhaps, software?) as what they were selling. The Chase representative didn't seem to understand the context of "university" for internet sales either.

I now see on my online statement that I've been given duplicate credits for the $9.75 charge to CFM -- one as a "Courtesy Adjustment" from Chase, another several days later from CFM.

I'm still puzzled as to why CFM lists a toll-free number on statement debits and even returns calls for messages. I'm assuming this relates to what you say about wanting to avoid suspicions and investigations.

I'm now regretting not being more astute and observant, but when I called CFM I thought it was a situation where someone had my cc # and had made the charge. Didn't realize that CFM was the fraudulent party. I'm now thinking back and remembering other, small charges over the past few years to companies identified as selling software online. I thought those were someone using my credit card but now realize the companies are fraudulent. I don't remember specifics on those old ones and will need to go back through old statements to see if I can turn up any of them. The only additional information I can offer on CFM is that it is listed on my statement with name, followed by phone number, and then "MA" (which I've assumed to be Massachusetts).

I'll be looking forward to hearing the further results of your investigation.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17220933 Sun, 05 Nov 2006 13:37:39 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17215858 MGD : Thanks allen214 See Profile I appreciate your time checking it. Yes the 800 number that you called is a template voice, the caller who returned it was the one of interest.

Their goal when discovered is to issue a credit, that actually helps them maintain the scam operation. Charge backs is what hurts them and helps raise suspicion.

I am glad that Chase handled your case that way, and issued you a new card. Otherwise they would hit it repeatedly each month. There is no product for sale, it is just a vehicle to procees the fraudulent charges.

I have been tracking this criminal enterprise for almost two years. Robert Brown's journal has been an excellent and very valuable resource for me, as it is usually at the top of a Google search when victims look up the charge names. That helps tracking the new alias names that this operation uses.

I will have more on this long running story coming up shortly! I need to "hold back" some info. These criminals monitor reports about themselves and make adjustments.

EDIT= Also any information that you have on "CFM" besides the 800 number would be helpfull such as the full name. I know who the other two are.

MGD]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17215858 Sat, 04 Nov 2006 14:05:41 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17215207 allen214 : Sorry, MGD, but it's been too long for me to be able to match voices. I tried calling the toll free number in my posting to refresh my memory and now remember that it's a canned, generic
voice-mail message. I still don't understand why a fraudulent
company responded to my message and called back (to get a phone number for me?), but that's when I got the foreign man. He is speaking in a normal tone in the voice samples you've attached, but the voice who returned my call was mumbling and speaking in a low tone. He asked if I'd bought anything from them but wouldn't get specific about what they sold and said he'd issue a credit. If you haven't seen it yet, you need to take a lot at the forum at »www.robertkbrown.com/2006/04/29/···ate.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17215207 Sat, 04 Nov 2006 11:52:46 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17215082 MGD :
said by allen214 See Profile :

My online statement has two fraudulent charges: FICAS TEMPLATES on 10/11 for $12.95 and DIGITAL BOOKS INC on 10/15 in the amount of $5.00. There was another on my previous statement: $9.75 billed by CFM on 9/29. I called CFM - 866-402-5650 - and left a message, then received a return call the next day from the mumbler with the fake accent trying to hide his identity as others here have mentioned. I couldn't get out of him what he sold or what I was supposed to have bought. A major hassle, but Chase quickly connected me to a representative who immediately put me on with the fraud division. I was credited for the bogus charges, and my account was closed. Very quick and smooth operation.
Thank you allen214 See Profile for posting this.

I apparently missed seeing this when you originally posted it, and need your help. Please listen to the two voice samples attached and tell me if either of those voices sounds like the voice that called. I realize that you said that the voice that spoke to you appeared to be in disguise. However I was wondering if you recognize any similarities.

[att=1] [att=2]

Those two charges are from the same long runnning criminal enterprise. The DIGITAL BOOKS INC is of course digital-reading.com. FICAS TEMPLATES, and CFM are part of the fraudulent template websites, and are a division of the Digital Age/Devbill long running credit card fraud.

Again, please listen to above voice samples and advise how they compare to your recollection of the voice in the call that you received from Ficas.

MGD
GJVoiceSample.wav 348,090 bytes
GV Voice Sample		MTVoiceSample.wav 545,790 bytes
MT Voice Sample
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17215082 Sat, 04 Nov 2006 11:14:30 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17115430 allen214 : My online statement has two fraudulent charges: FICAS TEMPLATES on 10/11 for $12.95 and DIGITAL BOOKS INC on 10/15 in the amount of $5.00. There was another on my previous statement: $9.75 billed by CFM on 9/29. I called CFM - 866-402-5650 - and left a message, then received a return call the next day from the mumbler with the fake accent trying to hide his identity as others here have mentioned. I couldn't get out of him what he sold or what I was supposed to have bought. A major hassle, but Chase quickly connected me to a representative who immediately put me on with the fraud division. I was credited for the bogus charges, and my account was closed. Very quick and smooth operation.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17115430 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 05:10:08 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17041111 kruser : Well, this is finally fully resolved for me.
The bank seemed to want to drag it out to the fullest extent possible.
Maybe as it was only $15 so it most likely cost them more than the trouble it caused.
My bank of course did replace the card as well as fully credit the account.

I'm still a bit sour as far as the banks slow response and poor communication with me.
Once I spoke with a supervisor, things rolled along fairly quick.

I'm still undecided if I'll continue using this bank.
I've had great customer service for normal matters with them but horrible when I wanted to file a Fraud claim!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17041111 Fri, 06 Oct 2006 20:20:51 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17032579 tim0thymark : I just got hit this week with 2 fraudulent charges a day apart.
10/04/06 Visa Purchase (non-pin)
Reqwest 949-226-7168il $5.00
10/04/06 Visa Purchase (non-pin)
Ficas Templates 262-997-9372wi $12.95

The second number sounds like the same guy using a stupid ass accent to disguise his voice.

This makes me very angry! It seems that they weren't even aware of this scam when I called my bank's (US BANK) fraud department. They did remove the charges and send me a new card. It's a good thing that I watch my bank acct online every day.

These assholes will get caught! I will do whatever it takes!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17032579 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:59:35 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16880916 kruser :
said by NS4683 See Profile :

I worked at a small community bank when I was in college. I found out that the number listed on the back of the ATM/Debit card is a third party service that the bank uses. For the bank I worked at, the number on the back of the card is only to report lost/stolen cards. A visit to a local branch was always the best way to conduct fraud or overcharge transaction disputes.
I was out of town when I noticed the charge so that is the main reason I called the cards phone number.
I did ask if I should go to my local branch upon return home and that is when they said I HAD to wait until I receive the paperwork.
So that is when all the trouble started!
I had a similar experience with an account at BofA and I did go to the local branch and my problem was taken care of immediately the same day.

So far, things seem to be working out fine now that I did visit my local branch.
Still no explanation as to the poor customer service from the phone banking center though.
I've already prepared a letter expressing my dissatisfaction with the handling of this fraud claim.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16880916 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 10:24:36 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16877357 NS4683 : I worked at a small community bank when I was in college. I found out that the number listed on the back of the ATM/Debit card is a third party service that the bank uses. For the bank I worked at, the number on the back of the card is only to report lost/stolen cards. A visit to a local branch was always the best way to conduct fraud or overcharge transaction disputes.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16877357 Sun, 10 Sep 2006 18:14:33 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16875103 kruser : I visited the bank manager the other day and was promised an investigation into the poor handling of my fraud claim.

If they do not follow up with this request then I'll disclose the name of the bank.

At this time however, the fraud claim has been filed.

The biggest complaint I have with them is I was told from the very beginning that I could NOT go to my local branch to file the claim.
This was told to me from the phone support division of the fraud office.

Had I been told that I could have went to my local branch to file the fraud claim then this whole issue would have been resolved by now.

It seems that the problem with my slow claim was caused by the phone support people who are most likely a call center for several banks.
This is what my bank manager is investigating for me now.
Trying to find were communication broke down.

But so far, things are working out and would have much quicker had I been given correct info from the beginning.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16875103 Sun, 10 Sep 2006 10:15:45 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16870433 NS4683 : What is the name of the bank you are using? It would be a good idea to let us know so that others can think twice about doing business with them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16870433 Sat, 09 Sep 2006 12:44:36 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16855649 kruser : As of today 9/6/06, I have not received a credit to my account for the $15 charge.

I do have a claim number for a fraud charge.
I tried to file a fraud report with my local police and they could only do a report only as I could not provide them with the info such as the city of REQWEST CA nor a phone number.

Oddly enough, my bank will not disclose this info to me even after 23 days!!
They did disclose the city of origin but no further info.
Huntington Beach, CA

My bank wants a police report for their investigation and the police want info on the merchant before they will do a full report which the bank wants!
So my local police will do a report only which the bank does not consider valid from my understanding.

My bank has now had 23 days (this includes weekends and holidays!) to produce their findings on this company and mail me a statement of finding within 10 days!
I have not heard one thing from my bank via any method known to man. The only communication with them has been when I initiated the call.
I take that back, a person did call me back after I called and complained of no paperwork. She promised to call me back on a Monday and she did! She assured me that everything was filed and I'd get the papers in two days again!! After a week, I called as no papers were delivered!

I spent over 1 hour on hold last Thursday and never did talk to a human!
That is when I did some digging and found a number for my local branch hidden deep within the website.
I called that number and talked with a manager and she informed me that I could simply come into the branch and file the fraud claim!!
I asked this same question when I called the number on the back of my card on Aug 15th and they said I could not do such and would have to await official papers via US postal service mail!

So now I am very pissed at the fraud department.
They promised me three times that I'd have the fraud papers in my mailbox within two days and it has now been 23 days and nothing!!

I'm going tomorrow with the report only number from the police and giving that to the manager.
If she cannot work with it then I'll tell her that I need the info they have not provided me with in order to do a full police report.

I'm still not sure why the bank is reluctant in providing me with info on the company that says I bought something from them?
How the hell can I file an honest police report without this info?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16855649 Thu, 07 Sep 2006 03:12:27 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16827743 kruser :
said by Lauie :

Just to let you know that you are not the only one out there that this has happened to.....same $15.00....same issue on card not used for quite a long time. I have left them a message on their miserable answering machine..and taken it up with my credit card company. It would be interesting to see if it is the same credit card company.

Feel free to e-mail me back.
My bank finally (yesterday) gave me credit for the $15 while they investigate.
Just yesterday, my Fraud claim was finally acknowledged as well.

I had to make a personal visit to my local branch and speak with the manager as the phone support people seemed to be getting me nowhere.
They kept promising the fraud paperwork would be in my mailbox in two days. I never received one single mailing from them at all!
My personal trip to the bank however did get things going and they promised to look into the horrible phone support claim I made.
My card is MasterCard issued by a local bank here in St. Louis, MO.

Good Luck!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16827743 Sat, 02 Sep 2006 12:24:57 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16827639 anon : Just to let you know that you are not the only one out there that this has happened to.....same $15.00....same issue on card not used for quite a long time. I have left them a message on their miserable answering machine..and taken it up with my credit card company. It would be interesting to see if it is the same credit card company.

Feel free to e-mail me back.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16827639 Sat, 02 Sep 2006 12:03:56 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16799082 kruser : Update:

I called my Bank again after no mail from them this past Friday.
The person I spoke with was very understanding and had also looked up REQWEST on the internet.
She agreed that it was nothing but a scam.
So I asked how come I have yet to receive the papers promised to proceed with a fraud claim.
She checked and came back on the phone very apologetic and said the claim was just for research only!
This is days after I spoke with another person that assured me the claim was for fraud!
The new girl from Friday could not understand how this happened and she thanked me for not being very pissed as she said most customers are at this stage.
She was not talking about being pissed because of a bank mistake in the claim filing but rather that they the customer had been ripped off.
I guess some understandably so get really pissed!

I keep my cool.
Anyway, she said the fraud claim is now valid and I should receive the papers soon.
Soon as I do, then the money will be placed back into my account during the investigation.
I'm glad it was not thousands of dollars!

So now I wait again.
I will give them until this Wednesday's mail and if still no fraud papers then I'll pursue other methods.
I just don't want the 30 day limit to run out for filing a fraud claim.
Not sure if it is 30 days but the way they are stalling makes me wonder if they are not trying to reach some limit for filing a claim!

I did receive a new card today so I can at least use the account again if I'd like.
At this time, I'll hold on the new card as I'm thinking strongly about severing all ties with this bank and the grocery stores they run.
Not good for me as the grocery store is within walking distance and I spend several hundred dollars a week in the place.
Now I'd have to drive just two miles for the competitor's store.
Not a big deal but if I retaliate, I'll definitely refuse to use the banks grocery stores ever again!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16799082 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 01:53:18 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16760723 pcdebb : a bank is really good when they call YOU and ask about fraudulent activity. this happened to my mom a few years ago. they reversed everything immediately before the call was made and took care of things. she used to be one of those people that never looked at her statement. now she is vigilant, even finding some recent AOL charges on her statement!!! what's wierd about this case is they didnt use her visa/checkcard, they used her checking account number :o that is being investigated

these scammers know that there are people out there like that, that's why they are still in business
--
babbling | How's the weather?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16760723 Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:43:33 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16753322 kruser : Ha, I even alerted a couple of my non internet buddies about this. Neither of them even open the bank statements mailed to them!!
They just throw them in the trash!
I told them to get a shredder and look at each statement closely for small charges as well as at least look at them and then shred if not needed.
I'm amazed at how "stupid" or "lazy" some people are by not taking a few minutes and reviewing a simple bank statement.
It's no wonder these fraudsters get away with what they do!

I wonder what the estimate is on how much these type of low dollar fraudsters get away with each year from people like my two friends who never look at statements?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16753322 Mon, 21 Aug 2006 22:24:38 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16753216 MGD : I agree, just give them some more time. You now know that there is no way that you will end up having to pay it.

The fact that it is a small local bank explains what is happening, especially since your statement has not even closed out yet.

Kudos for being alert and monitoring your activity online.

PS. I added more text to my original post while you were replying.

MGD]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16753216 Mon, 21 Aug 2006 22:08:05 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16753176 kruser : Ok, Thanks for the link and info!

First problem is I don't have statement yet as I discovered the charge the day after it posted to my account while doing an online check.
I check my banks almost daily for just such a problem!

I will follow up with your suggestions should they claim the charge is legit.

I've already printed out this thread as well as your screenshots of the old sites from your archives.

I was also very clear that I wanted to file a FRAUD claim.
They keep saying investigation and the lady that called back today even said such but when I questioned her, she did say that it was a fraud charge that they are investigating.
Maybe these guys are just slow. It is a small bank within my town that is owned by the same people who run a grocery chain here.
The fraud department was even within my state although out of town.
That is why I called, asking if fraud was maybe in another state which would explain any mail delay.
Nope, they are just slow or trying to delay.

I really hope they are just slow as I'd rather officially file the charges and get on with things.
I did explain that these guys are scammers and say they hit 100,000 people in one day that it may net them up to 1.5 million dollars!
Some that I talked to were understanding while others were just business.
I of course have complete logs of all conversations concerning this matter.

At this time, I think all I can do is wait and see what they say.

I'll post back here with the outcome.

Thanks again for your info as well as what you do here for others!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16753176 Mon, 21 Aug 2006 22:01:27 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16753054 MGD : You should write a letter to the address that is listed on the statement for "billing inquiries". Notify them of the specific charge (charge date, amount vendor and ref #) and state that it is an "unauthorized" and "fraudulent" charge and that you want it removed from your statement.

Further state that the company that issued the charge is a known scamming operation, that was specifically set up to process fraudulent charges using an online merchant account.

Send the letter registered, return receipt requested. The bank is obligated by Federal law to investigate and remove the charge. By law you do not have to pay it, and they cannot charge you interest. You are not subject to the $50 liability, since you still have your card, it was not lost or stolen, and it was not used in the transaction.

There is no way that the bank can deem the charge as legitimate, they have to have some evidence to link it to you, ie. a shipping confirmation, an IP address that the "purchase" originated from etc. None of these exist, they will have to remove the charge, no question about it. REQWEST CA will be unable to provide any evidence or confirmation that the card number was charged legitimately. I am surprised that it is taking the bank this long to find it out. Your bank is probably awaiting a response from REQWEST CA for a confirmation request. Which will probably never come, since it appears that this specific name is worn out (website pulled).

If this scam was in full throttle, then it is normal for the scammer to issue a credit as soon as they receive the bank request for verification. The scammers do not want a chargeback, the fees are high, and eventually the high chargeback ratio flags the account and ends that merchant account. So to prolong the scam these criminals will gladly issue a credit for the few out of every thousand that actually catch and complain about it. In a lot of cases these small charges do not get caught, especially in a multi user household where the card is very active. You will notice that a lot of the people that catch it and show up here are ones that have a card with low usage, or are very particular about examining their statement, many are not.

If the bank does not follow the mandated procedure you can file a complaint against them.

It is vital that you use the term "unauthorized" and "fraudulent". This should not be confused as a "billing" error from a legitimate company.

Based on your banks complete lack of intelligence, it is vital that you document this fraud promptly and keep proof of the delivery.

To give you some idea of the federal requirements that the banks must follow here is the requirement for disputes to use as an example. Your case is not a dispute so the time limit is removed for initial filing, but the response requirements are the same:

»www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/cons···htm#bill

Please keep us updated on the progress and feel free to name the bank that has this complete lack of reasoning skills when it comes to fraud.

MGD
EDIT = added more text ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16753054 Mon, 21 Aug 2006 21:44:58 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16752682 kruser : Still no Fraud paperwork from my bank!
Almost 1 week now sine I first reported.
I called over the weekend concerned why I have not received the paperwork.
The lady in Fraud said she would call back Monday or today.
She did and apologized for no paperwork and said they were still investigating it.

I asked her why so long and she could not answer.
I had a fraud charge on my BoA card a year ago were someone took my number from a phone order and used my card and BoA handled everything the same day!

I'll give them a few more days.
I did explain what these scammers are up to but they seemed reluctant.
I have a funny feeling that they will conclude the investigation and determine the charges are legit even though I've asked to file a Fraud charge.

If they do such then what is my next step?
I mean if the bank refuses to proceed with a fraud claim then what steps should I take next?

Thanks Much All!

edit: When I did file the fraud charge last Tuesday the person whom I spoke with said the papers would be drawn up and mailed and I should expect them the next day or two.
Nothing, nadda!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16752682 Mon, 21 Aug 2006 20:49:02 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16723643 Doctor Olds :
said by kruser See Profile :

I have not had time to research this yet but will as soon as I contact the card issuing bank and shutdown the card.

edit: I was mistaken! It turns out that I have used the card recently for two transactions. See my post near the end of thread.
Also read the links here:

Card Systems had a big data loss.

»www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=ca···e+Search

40 Million Credit Card Numbers Hacked
»www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co···031.html

They are now owned by:

»www.paybytouchpaymentsolutions.com/news.asp
quote:
Pay By Touch Completes Acquisition of CardSystems Solutions
Pay By Touch payment processiong products to become more robust

December 9, 2005 - Pay By TouchTM, the leading provider of biometric authentication, payment, loyalty and membership solutions, today it announced has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of CardSystems Solutions, Inc., a leading end-to-end payment processing provider with approximately 120,000 merchants to which Pay By Touch will have immediate access.
I'd guess it takes a little while to scam through the 40 Million Credit Card Numbers and they finally got to yours? :[
--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16723643 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 05:17:46 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16723566 kruser : Hey Dr. Olds!

I do agree that they most likely did not get it from any online stuff.
I just felt obligated to reveal my past purchases just in case.

The way I look at it, they get the info from somewhere and who knows where.
I'm sure that one of these days that this will be figured out.
If it is just random card number attempts then it will be hard to figure out.
I'm still leary of the card processors myself.
I'd bet they pay the employee's a low wage.
So you get your typical bandit who has leads on employee's of said company that are having a hard time financially and this said bandit offers that person a large sum of money to disclose info.
I'm not saying that is what happened in my case but it is possible.

I did read MGD's post that you linked.
I remember the TroubleBubble fraud that went down.
I'd say that the same people are behind this fraud.

Years ago I told myself that I'd never ever use credit cards because someone could steal your money.
I even told my parents that way back when!
Now of course almost 40 years later, I have cards and they are almost a necessity of life these days!

I do wonder how many people that DON'T use the internet have been hit with these charges?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16723566 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 04:11:34 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16723512 Doctor Olds :
said by kruser See Profile :

I've also looked over my past purchases with that card and I had recently used it.

I made a purchase just days earlier from Paragon Software for a product called Partition Manager.
They use Element 5 for there card processing.
I've purchased a lot in the past that used element 5 and never had a problem.
I'd also purchased a pizza from a local Pizza Hut with the on-line ordering system just prior to the element 5 purchase.
Prior to these purchases, I had not used the card in months.
So it could be a breach at either of those places or a key logger.
It's not you that is the source of the CC info leak. They didn't get it from your PC or from any recent transactions you have made.

This is where they most likely got it. Read what MGD See Profile wrote in the topic below:

»Just an FYI: KCSOFTLLC $9.95 Fraud - They're still at it!

Regards,

Doctor Olds
--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16723512 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 03:28:49 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16720356 kruser : My bank told me the charge appeared to be legit!

They said it was something to do with at&t!

Granted, I live in at&t land but I've never had any personal accounts with at&t in my life.

So they have granted my request for fraudulent activity and will place the cash back into my account for now.

I've also looked over my past purchases with that card and it turns out that I had recently used it.

I made a purchase just days earlier from Paragon Software for a product called Partition Manager.
They use Element 5 for their card processing.
I've purchased a lot in the past that used element 5 and never had a problem.
I'd also purchased a pizza from a local Pizza Hut with the on-line ordering system just prior to the element 5 purchase.
Prior to these purchases, I had not used the card in months.
So it could be a breach at either of those places or a key logger.
Key logger is doubtful but not impossible.
Between the pizza and paragon purchase, I had done a complete format and clean install of XP.

Anyway, thanks bunches to everyone who has given advice!

edit: spelling
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16720356 Wed, 16 Aug 2006 17:23:08 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16716959 amysheehan :
said by kruser See Profile :

My bank will not disclose any info on the company!

They said all this correspondence has to be done via mail for some reason.

I did come up with a 949-226-7168 number and it is nothing more than an answer machine and the company name on the recording does match my statement.
They give an email address or option to leave message but no human!

What do you want to bet that they would never reply to email or return a phone call!
Not that I'd give them any info anyhow.
(949) 226-7168 is a land line based in Capistrano Valley, CA
The registered service provider is Teleport Communications**.
Detailed listing information is not available.
**Due to number portability, some numbers have been transferred to a new service provider
SOURCE: »www.whitepages.com/10866/search/···92267168

:)
--
DSLR Phishtracker
Mod Edit: correct OP information]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16716959 Wed, 16 Aug 2006 08:47:06 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16716871 kruser :
said by madylarian See Profile :

said by kruser See Profile :

They said all this correspondence has to be done via mail for some reason.
This has always been the case with credit card companies. Every bill has detailed information about what to do to dispute a charge and they all state the specific information that should be supplied to them in writing. mady
In this case I have NO bill because I never purchased anything!
My online statement does not give much detail either.

The bank has closed all accounts and opened new for me.
All that is left is for me to go to bank and sign the fraud form as well as a police report.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16716871 Wed, 16 Aug 2006 08:23:18 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16716509 Doctor Olds : Does not apply to fraud charges. This isn't a merchant dispute, but a simple case of a fraud charge and the Fraud Department should investigate, close account, give customer new account with all legitimate charges and balance being transferred to new account leaving the fraud charges on the old account for charge back to fraudsters.
--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16716509 Wed, 16 Aug 2006 04:52:18 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16716187 madylarian :
said by kruser See Profile :

They said all this correspondence has to be done via mail for some reason.
This has always been the case with credit card companies. Every bill has detailed information about what to do to dispute a charge and they all state the specific information that should be supplied to them in writing. This is the only way you can dispute the charge and not pay it. It's also the only way to avoid interest charges and a possible bad credit record. I strongly suggest that you do this immediately.

mady
--
Honi soit qui mal y pense]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16716187 Wed, 16 Aug 2006 02:05:04 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16712181 MGD :
said by kruser See Profile :

My bank will not disclose any info on the company!

They said all this correspondence has to be done via mail for some reason........
And that is a contributing factor as to why this type of fraud is an epidemic.

However, I will tell you more info about the "company" than your bank will, or even knows.

First you are correct to cancel and replace the card, and this charge should be classified as FRAUD, not a dispute.

REQWEST hit my radar screen about a month ago while I was working on an update of my long term investigation of the Devbill/Digital Age card fraud criminal enterprise.

See the last post that I just made in this thread along with the included links: »Just an FYI: KCSOFTLLC $9.95 Fraud - They're still at it!

The connection between these two is that there are reports of charges from both REQUEST and the "devbill" group showing up together on the same card, either on the same bill date or within a day or two. And it is not a coincidence by any means, it is part of a criminal enterprise that involves hundreds of rotating websites that are set up as front companies. The purpose of the site is not to sell anything, in fact nothing can be bought from them. They are set up in order to obtain a merchant billing account to process small charges to what appears to be an endless supply of card data.

Fortunately, I collected some data on Request last month and added it to my archives before it disappeared. REQWEST and its sister company DIGITAL READING were both set up within a week of each other in January of 2006. They were set up with Jaguar Technologies LLC via ENOM, INC. Jaguar and Enom have been a long time favorite of these criminals and have been used repeatedly for hosting.

The two fraudulent websites used for this portion of the operation advicebyrequest.com and digital-reading.com have now been suspended. However here are screen shots of the two identical sites that I had in my archives:

advicebyrequest.com
"About Us"
[attachment=1]
and
"Contact"
[attachment=2]

digital-reading.com
"About Us"
[attachment=3]
and
"Contact"
[attachment=4]

And the current status for both:
[attachment=5]

I am not sure if you want to bring your Bank "up to speed" on this issue by providing them a link or not. However, reversing the charge as a fraud and replacing the card, is the prudent option for them, rather than wasting their time requesting verification that is non existant.

MGD
Edit=formatting
Mod Edit: correct OP information
Click for full size
Advicebyrequest.com About
Click for full size
Advicebyrequest.com Contact
Click for full size
Digital-reading.com About
Click for full size
Digital-reading.com Contact
Click for full size
Both Suspended
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16712181 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:22:09 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711731 Doctor Olds :
said by kruser See Profile :

My bank will not disclose any info on the company!

They said all this correspondence has to be done via mail for some reason.
Skip all the BS they are trying and ask for the Fraud Dept. You should not have any forms like disputed charge to fill out as this is an outright fraudulent charge from a scammer.

Good Luck!

Regards,

Doctor Olds
--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?
Mod Edit: correct OP information]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711731 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:16:17 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711696 Doctor Olds : One hit in Google...

»www.robertkbrown.com/2006/04/29/···ate.html

quote:
05.31.06

Lyn:

Has anyone heard of a charge to your Visa from a Reqwest company? I just got a $5.00 charge and I had to close my account right away.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

06.21.06

David:

Reqwest in Huntington Beach California has just attempted to post a $10 hold on my debitr card account. I have no idea who this is, and only use this card for groceries at my local (Washington, DC) Giant Foods.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

07.18.06

Brent:

A little over a month ago, my Bank of America account got hit by a Reqwest in CA # 949-226-7168 AND a On-X Inc in MN # 612-216-1257 on the same day,

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

07.28.06

SB:

Well, I too just got a transaction from "REQWEST HUNTINGTON BE CA" on my Citi card for $5.00.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

07.31.06

EDRO:

JUST GOT HIT UP FOR $10.00 ON MY CAPITAL ONE BANK CARD. "REQWEST HUNTINGTON BE CA"

--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711696 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:11:20 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711559 kruser : My bank will not disclose any info on the company!

They said all this correspondence has to be done via mail for some reason.

I did come up with a 949-226-7168 number and it is nothing more than an answer machine and the company name on the recording does match my statement.
They give an email address or option to leave message but no human!

What do you want to bet that they would never reply to email or return a phone call!
Not that I'd give them any info anyhow.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711559 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 13:51:35 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711282 Doctor Olds : Ask for the phone number from your CC company and I bet it matches as a new scam by an old team. :[

Is it (888)-529-xxxx

If it is, here is an interesting link.

»www.digitalagefraud.com/

Regards,

Doctor Olds
--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711282 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:59:52 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711160 kruser : Yep,

I found several complaints from others about bogus $5 ,10 and 15 dollar charges.

Looks an new fraud.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711160 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:43:07 EDT Re: [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711112 Doctor Olds : »www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=RE···e+Search

Interesting...

»www.robertkbrown.com/2005/10/11/···ate.html
quote:
07.25.06

Tucker:

I got hit with the $5 ReqWest charge, googled the number and up popped this page. Bank of America cancelled the card and reversed the charge, but what a hassle.

--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16711112 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:35:06 EDT [Credit Card Fraud] REQWEST CA bogus charge http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16709745 kruser : Hi,

Today I see a charge of $15.00 has posted against my CC account or MasterCard.

It only says REQWEST CA.

Definitely bogus as I have not used this card in months!

I have not had time to research this yet but will as soon as I contact the card issuing bank and shutdown the card.

edit: I was mistaken! It turns out that I have used the card recently for two transactions. See my post near the end of thread.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16709745 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:01:03 EDT