Unless your trip to TRAFFIC Las Vegas or to DomainFest in California was paid for by your employer, it’s time to take a good look into your credit card and even your bank account, for any unauthorized charges.
The days in TRAFFIC Las Vegas were packed with events – and of course after hours everyone had a great time attending parties, social gatherings and impromptu get-togethers – all while consuming higher than usual quantities of alcohol. Welcome to Vegas, baby.
Unless I spend cash that happens to be in my wallet, I use my credit cards, as they provide protection over unauthorized charges. However, there was a single time while in Las Vegas that I made the mistake of using my debit card in order to withdraw cash.
Even though I went to an ATM of my very own bank somewhere off the Strip, it appears that the location was rigged with a card skimmer. In essence, my debit card was “copied” without ever realizing it and three days later I received automated phonecalls and emails from my bank’s alert system.
The bank notified me of suspicious activity and use of my debit card and upon examining my account online I noticed two transactions that had occurred outside of the US. Some crook used my card and spent approximately $300 buying chocolates at an overseas supermarket. I hope he chokes on it.
Thankfully, my bank immediately closed my card and reversed the charges at no cost to me. It’s definitely the last time that I’ll be using my debit card to withdraw cash at a tourist location away from home. Crooks are everywhere – just search for “Card Skimmers Las Vegas” in Google.
Thanks for the heads up (this happened to me a few months back … so I know the feeling – in my case, the person spent $500 at a dry cleaners).
Somebody got my wife’s credit card number a couple weeks back as well but we were never able to figure out how they got it. They racked up several grand worth of purchases (airline tickets, apple computer) before the CC co blocked the account.
It sure makes you rethink things but I am glad the cc co removed the charges.
Vegas is the only place that cash is safer than credit. PS you missed a hell of a good time the night you had to leave
I always have unauthorized charges almost every time i am in Vegas…i thought this was just happening to me, but i guess it’s happening to everybody!
Hey Theo, sorry, I forgot you to thank you for the chocolates!
They were delicious, too bad the card did no longer work when I entered at Cartier to buy me this new Rolex.
PS: Most serious, the last time I had my CC stollen and used in the net I not even go to the police, you cannot imagine the headaches, the first suspect was me!? A true pain… And apparently that’s the way think happen here. Consumers are really less protected than merchants in France.
Nice article, and important for people on trips.
I found that everytime I attended a conference ANYWHERE, or travel and then login using the hotel’s wifi, my Paypal credit card starts getting small charges, usually less than $20, but unauthorized and they start adding up quick.
I HATE trying to get a new card issued, but that’s the process. I think that some criminal element has figured out how to take advantage of travelers at hotels, whether it’s in Vegas or anywhere. The next time I travel, I will use AmEX traveler checks, or cash, or some throw away debit card. NEVER use your personal/business credit cards while on the road. Too many ripoff opportunities.
Sorry you had to experience this, Theo. It really sucks and robs you of your valuable time, and makes you wonder just how much more of your ID is in the criminal’s hands.
good luck
We’ve had incidents of card skimmers set up on Norwegian ATMs as well. They’re pretty easy to spot though, if you’re aware that they are around.
Good thing your bank reversed the transactions without any more hassle. 🙂
I agree with Shane, cash is safer in Vegas than credit. I live in Vegas. After having fraudulent charges twice in the last few months after trips to Blockbuster and the grocery store, I converted to cash.
Oh… one more piece of advice for Vegas: Get a Concealed Carry Permit, and carry (legally) everywhere you go.
Just today!
@Ron, same happened to me a few months back. What was the state the dry cleaner was located in, or name of company. There my be more here to unlock, and it may relate to all of us in the industry. I have a hunch.
@Sam, it was a dry cleaner in Dallas, Texas
CHECK CRD PURCHASE 10/27 GLO’S DRY CL $500.00