Unauthorized Debit
Complaint
Cherry E Richardson
Country: United States
Called my bank when I noticed a debit I didn't recognize in the amount of $10.65. The bank gave me the telephone number of the company debiting my account, 623-742-3769, which belongs to MCA Web Technology in Phoenix, AZ. I checked them out on the Internet, and confirmed that I had never heard of them or anything about their business. The bank advised me to call them, which I did without success (got a voice mail referring me to support@mcawebtechnology.com to send an email communication). I also did this. Nothing. No response. On my lunch hour I'll fill out an unauthorized debit form at the bank. I have no clue how this place got my debit card number. I rarely use it.
Comments
Fraudulent charges have been reported from related "fronts" on this site under names such as "myliberia.com", "digismarket.com", etc. https://complaintwire.org/Complaint.aspx/EL6JDmbjXAAI8gjKEHLtfw
Bob Sullivan reported on this operation back in November, on MSNBC:
http://redtape.msnbc.com/2007/11/chris-jupin-nev.html
See MGD's report here. Go to the second page, where you will find pictures of websites that look just like "www. mcawebtechnology.com". You might drop him an e-mail about this new front.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19620593-Ebo ... DigitalAgePluto
They put thru small fraudulent charges, often under $10, using many stolen account number, allegedly for "e-books", "web design", or similar intangible "products", hoping people miss the charges on their statements, or that the banks don't consider it worth it to investigate. If disputed, they may just reverse the charge, to avoid a charge back, or they may claim they had "authorization", maybe someone stole the card number. The reality appears to be that the syndicate has access to a large number of stolen account numbers, perhaps thru a payment processor database hack, and uses this mechanism to milk them.
The "mules" appear to have responded to ads for setting up "Internet businesses", and the organization appears to have a complete "package" to guide them in doing so, setting up the website, setting up bank accounts to transfer the money under the mule's business name, arranging for remote control of bank account transfers, and sending "business" their way, etc.
Also note that MGD found that many of the fraudulent charges were to cards that had seldom been used, indicating it is unlikely the numbers are stolen thru some merchant site processing legitimate transactions.
MGD also reported that there was an indictment of one of the mules in Michigan, back in July:
"July 19, 2007
LANSING -- Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that he has charged Krystal Owens of Detroit with three-counts of identity theft and one-count of conspiring to commit identity theft.
"Identity theft is a devastating crime to its victims," said Cox. "My office will continue to be vigilant in defending Michigan's citizens from having their identities stolen."
Since January 2007, the Michigan Attorney General's Office has received more than 130 complaints from consumers across the country indicating that K.A.T.O. Technology, LLC, also known as K.A.M.K. Technology, LLC, had charged $12.95 against their credit card without their permission. The Attorney General's investigation found that in the summer of 2006, the defendant Krystal Owens conspired with Tomas Lasinkas of POV Web Design Solutions to set up bogus corporations, banking accounts, and other arrangements thereby enabling Lasinkas to make unauthorized charges against consumers credit card accounts using the bogus company names K.A.T.O. Technology, LCC and K.A.M.K. Technology, LLC. From September 2006 to March 2006, Lasinkas made 75 to 100 unauthorized charges, at $12.95 each, on a daily basis, and Owens wired the illegal proceeds to Lasinkas' bank accounts in Bulgaria on a regular basis. Lasinkas and Owens accumulated approximately $200,000 by way of this fraudulent activity during a six month period.
..."
You shouldn't expect to get anywhere calling them. In fact, you did NOT authorize the charge, not even by "accident", nor was this some individual id thief who got your card number. The charge was fraudulent from the start, and you should dispute it as such, in writing, with a fraud affidavit, to force a charge-back. Short of some federal or state level law enforcement connecting the dots, high levels of charge-backs, which can result in termination of their "merchant" account, are the only way a mule is likely to be shut down.
Also, file a complaint with FTC, to get another name reported into their "Sentinal" system.
"smartemarket. com", "myliberia. com", "digismarket. com", "mcawebtechnology. com"
Information below is extracted from here:
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-805-275-2235
Amount phone number "Company"
$10.65 805-275-2235 MV WEB TEMPLATES
11.85 805-275-2235 Sensate Tech CA
10.65 626-310-0668 ATALA DESIGNS
9.85 312-265-8407 Valence Internet Technoloy IL
11.85 WWW.ILICSolutions.com
11.85 805-275-1967 SENSATE TECHNOLOGY INC
8.65 404-474-2550 Infinity and Sons GA
10.65 ULCsolutions.com scottsdale AZ
Digital River
Free Merchant.com
Sensate Technology, Ventura, George Berremans
10.65 312-265-8407 ventura internet tech
10.65 623-444-2173 MCATemplates.com
11.85 Atala Designs St Paul Park MN
10.65 Crystal Clear Designs
8.95 866-298-7560 Libra USA
8.95 866-305-8808 Eureka
202-558-7562 hottemplatesites.com
312-235-6926 ilicsolutions.com ALEN ILIC INC
214-594-4188 ataladesigns.com
"Latvian connection":
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE OF GE MONEY BANK AB (SWEDEN) IN THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA
G. ASTRAS STREET 8b, RIGA LV-1082, Latvia
tel 67110000 fax 67110506
email dmitry.tsymber@ge.com
Typical reported bank response:
"Natalie - 25 Dec 2007
I had the exact same response from Washington Mutual. In fact the guy laughed and said "well maam I see that they refunded you the $10.65 so you got your money back". I reminded him that this was only done because I kept calling and threatening to contact the attorney general and the police. That they only reluctantly gave it back to me because they wanted to avoid the charge back fee and hassle. That the money was stolen to begin with. This was no mistake. That this came from a company that is set up for no other purpose that to steal our money. They couldn't care less. I was horrified actually. I was even further horrified to learn that if they give you back the money they so blatantly stole from you, the case is dropped by the bank because you got your money! ..."
"DDubbb - 27 Dec 2007
I just contacted Bank of America about the 10.65 charge on my CC and was referred to the billing dispute department. Apparently they do not handle internet charges less than 500.00 as fraud, they are handled as billing disputes instead. They removed the charge as "a courtesy" but did not seem to have any interest in tracking down the root of the problem. ..."
How they set up the mules:
"I found an advertisement on craigslist for a company looking for someone to fill a management position. When I sent them my resume ligtimately seeking employment I got a response telling me what they're "business/employment opportunity" was.
They ask independent 3rd parties, such as myself, to set up our own companies (Corp or LLC) to act as an "affiliate reseller" of Atala's products. I was told that my only responsibilites would be to set up the corp or LLC with the state, then open and manage company bank accounts (including a merchant account to collect people's payment).
The product of course is website templates. The company, Atala Designs, Inc., is supposedly based out of Latvia. They use the story that they are using subsidiary companies in order to break into the North American market.
The email with which I've been corresponding is visvald_salguss@ataladesigns.com
I hope this posting helps some of you looking for more information on this scam.
God Bless"
Responses to attempts to file complaints:
"Brenton - 12 Dec 2007
...
called Digital River - they said they will check into the issue and get back with me.
I called the Ventura CA Sheriffs dept. - they told me to "call my bank they don’t really do anything about that."
I then filled an IC3 report on the FBI.gov website. (They say it can take several weeks for anyone to even look at the report.)
I called the FBI office in Lima Ohio (where I am located) they told me to file a 1C3 report on the FBI website.
..."
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-575-0260
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/idins-c39257.html
31.98 866-575-0260 IDINS theftprotectsupport.com idprosup.com
FAX: 213-291-8170
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/idins-c39257.html
"2 days ago by Cindy Gardner
This is exactly what I am dealing with. I don't even know who they are! I reverse charged this through the bank, I got credited for $31.98, then IDINS debited my account for $31.98, under a different name, www.idprosup.com
BEWARE! My bank says they can't stop the debits as long as they keep changing their name, they can even up the amount! There is no end in sight! I messed up and subscribed to Bid Fuel, they have given my info to SEVERAL other scams...SurplusAlert, EasyAuction123...These are the SAME company...IDINS, BSM, 200cash.com, big ltd, GFC, CFCSpeedpay, and even more I can't remember without my bank statement. I have been taken for over one thousand dollars so far! I am desperate to stop this! I can't keep a + amount in my bank! My bank won't stop it, and they won't let me close my account! "
identity theft support
6335 w. hampton ave
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
United States
Phone: 414-312-7241
VEXEDLE AZ
866-883-4987
866-575-0260 <--- match to IDINS!
IDCARD.COM
IDINS
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
United States
Phone: 405 552-5233
May be negative-option "membership" scam, getting their account informatino from other sites (as opposed to "blind" fraudulent small charges in typical "ebook/webdesign" scams.
" Anyway, this woman told me that I applied for something and it turned into somekind of package deal. "
Expand on other linked names:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/bsm-grant-search-assistant-c37315.html
BSM Grant Search Assistant
Posted: 2007-12-04 by Herbert W Peet
Unauthorized withdrawal from my account!
BSM
6922 chatham rd
Medina, Ohio
United States
330-721-9227
Appears to be some "adult" site, or they use a common "support" organization. This shows the same toll free number and FAX number as IDINS and VEXEDLE.
http://www.activesitesupport.com/termsofservice.php
also datingsitesupport.com
FAX: 213-291-8170 <--- IDINS?
925-264-3473
866-883-4978 <---- VEXEDLE?
http://www.golfwinetravel.com/contact.php
Golf and Wine Travel
10869 North Scottsdale Road
Suite 103
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA 85254
888 607 1717
480 607 1717
http://www.campdepot.com/camps/c18782.html
International Tennis USA Summer Camp - Tampa
Off Season Administrative Address:
10869 North Scottsdale Road
Suite 103-178
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
Tel: 480-510-7170
Fax: 480 607 1771
Hello,
I represent MCA Webtechnology.
We got an email from you reporting a charge on your credit card.
Thank you for reporting about this situation promptly.
First I guess I should explain everything to you.
Our company produces webdesign and templates - primary web pages
with no content. The price of each template is $8,65-$11.85 so that
your
card was charged for the price of a template bought on our website.
I have a very important question for you:
Are you sure that nobody but you has access to your credit card
information(name and number)? You see that if your card was charged
and you didn't know about that somebody does have your card
information and can use it. Please check it.
We have already removed the charge you reported. The refund will be
stated in the account within three or four business days.
Nevertheless I strongly recommend you to call your bank and ask them
to issue another card for you. Because if your card was once charged
without your notification there's no guarantee of that the person
having access to the CC information wouldn't use it again.
It is also possible that some banking error occured and your card
was charged by mistake but still please call them and talk it over.
Sincerely,
Support Team.
This is obviously a scam. I sent a copy to my bank and the FTC fraud division. Has anyone else had any luck in reporting them? Does anyone know how they got my information? Should I close my account and open a new one?
It is no doubt true that "somebody" has your card information, and also true that if you don't change your card number, you could get further charges.
As noted above, their website appears the same as several other "companies" engaged in the same pattern of unauthorized charges. The differences are changes in the "company name", contact information, etc. See the snapshots of those other sites here, for example: "valencetemplates.com", "ilicsolutions.com", "mcatemplates.com", "mvwebtemplates.com", "ccdtemplates.com", "sensatech.com", "naturalordertemplate.com", "infinitysonstemplates.com", "websitemaster", "123gettemplates.com", "mcawebtechnology" (reported 1-7-08):
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19620593-Ebo ... DigitalAgePluto
Here is another report, of the response to disputing an unauthorized charge from "ccdtemplates.com". Not only are the websites canned and "cookie-cutter" generated, but so are the dispute responses. Does this look familiar?
http://www.beckett.com/BeckettForum/Default.aspx?g=posts&m=11861662
"juanfatj Posted: Sunday, December 23, 2007 1:10:59 AM
Rank: New Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 4/28/2007
Posts: 90
If anyone got hit by Interactive Designs, here is the email addy that i was able to get my refund through(support@ccdtemplates.com). Also posting the email I got from them.
Hello Mike,
I represent Interactive Designs, LLC.
We got an email from you reporting a charge on your credit card.
Thank you for reporting about this situation promptly.
First I guess I should explain everything to you.
Our company produces webdesign and templates - primary web pages
with no content. Your card was charged for the price of a template
bought on our website.
I have a very important question for you:
Are you sure that nobody but you has access to your credit card
information(name and number)? You see that if your card was charged
and you didn't know about that somebody does have your card
information and can use it. Please check it.
We have already removed the charge you reported. The refund will be
stated in the account within three or four business days.
Nevertheless I strongly recommend you to call your bank and ask them
to issue another card for you. Because if your card was once charged
without your notification there's no guarantee of that the person
having access to the CC information wouldn't use it again.
It is also possible that some banking error occured and your card
was charged by mistake but still please call them and talk it over.
Sincerely,
Support Team."
Hypotheses of Equifax as the source, or even Amazon, may simply mean that people who do a lot of on-line transactions often do transactions with both. Some discussion has also surrounded a company called "freemerchant" or "Digital River" that is apparently a payment processor used by a number of small on-line merchants. PayPal has also been mentioned.
See here, for example:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19620593-Ebo ... DigitalAgePluto
http://www.cjupin.com/2007/09/13/credit-card-scam-digismarketcom
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-805-275-2235
As a general security precaution, you should NOT use, carry, or activate debit cards, as they allow direct access to your bank account with resulting possible repercussions on other legitimate payments (your mortgage check might bounce) or overdraft fees even if the bank eventually restores stolen money.
Credit cards are safer, as the banks seem to respond quicker to fraud when they see their own money stolen. In fact, there are a number of reports of charges from these scammers being blocked by banks, but only when they were made using credit card numbers.
The VISA and MasterCard systems have some degree of fraud detection in place, while the ACH system used to process checks, EFT, or electronic checks appears to have little fraud detection, depending only on customers finding fraudulent charges and disputing after the fact. Criminals have discovered this fact and taylored their attacks accordingly.
We are breeding a population of scam operations that matches the vulnerabilities created by the banks' security and fraud investigation (or non-investigation) policies, much like we can breed antibiotic resistant bacteria by ineffective treatment with antibiotics.
If you have had ANY fraudulent or unauthorized charge on an account, you need to close that account immediately. This is far easier to do with a credit card (they just block it immediately with your phone call and send you a new card), than with a checking account where you have to order new checks, some checks haven't cleared yet, etc.
In fact, you should probably shut off any existing debit cards, maybe keeping only an ATM card, requiring a PIN, for cash, to be used ONLY at your bank's own ATM machines, and use credit cards for everything else. Limit checks to payments to creditors you know and have an on-going business relationship with: rent, mortgage, CC bills, utilities, etc. Never use checks or your bank account information for on-line purchases, and never pay anyone with a check who you have no reason to trust, like that kid selling magazines door to door.
Use one credit card for in person charges, and a different one for on-line purchases. This simplifies catching errors, since you know what type of charge to expect on each card, and unauthorized charges will stand out better.
https://complaintwire.org/Complaint.aspx/EL6JDmbjXAAI8gjKEHLtfw
How do we stop these people if none of the banks or anyone is willing to take charge? 11.89 times enough people is alot of money.
Also, don't just dispute as "unauthorized". This is a FRAUDULENT charge, made by someone you never did business with, and never provided your account number to. It is NOT a "mistake", a clerical error, or a dispute with a merchant. These are NOT merchants selling products. You did NOT order a product, they do not sell real products. They are CROOKS submitting FRAUDULENT CHARGES, and that is what they intended to do when they made this charge. Call it what it is. Ask for and send your bank a signed FRAUD AFFIDAVIT.
And change your card or bank account number. Insist on it.
Yes, I am paranoid, because they are out to get us.
How can we get the money back?
Caller ID: 760-994-4853
Caller: Coastal Web Solutions Oceanage CA