Norton Internet Security / Norton AntiVirus

[stuartbramhall]

The bank didn't specify what caused it. I just want to make sure it's not my computer.

I live in a very small town in New Zealand. It's highly unlikely there are any skimmers here. So far the only skimmers in this country have been in the big cities. It's really not cost effective to travel six hours to the back of beyond to set up a skimming operation.

Also I have very few online credit card transactions - and only with companies I really trust. I always access their websites via bookmarks and never click on web links I am sent in an email.

I learned about the unauthorized charges when I got my bill - someone had used my credit card five times to pay Lufthansa airlines.

[SendOfJive Norton Fighter]

Hi stuartbramhall,

Skimmers are pretty ubiquitous, so that would still be my first guess as to how your account was compromised.  If you don't use your card online often, then there would be limited opportunity for malware, such as a keylogger, to steal the number.  A data breach at a transaction processing company or other facility is also possible, although when such things happen, the affected card numbers are usually replaced quickly.  Still it is important to realize that your card number is stored and used in a lot of places besides those that are under your personal control. 

If your bank or card issuer offers suspicious activity alerts or one-time-use disposable credit card numbers to use for online purchases (ShopSafe), those can certainly help to keep your account safe.  Of course, the nice thing about credit cards is that your liability for fraudulent transactions is extremely limited - so as long as you examine your statements and inform the issuer of any suspicious charges in a timely manner, you really are pretty well protected against any consequences of misuse.

[stuartbramhall]

Thanks for replying.

I suspect it was most likely a data breach at transaction processing company.

I only use my card with a few local retailers here, There are all really small, hands on businesses - I find it hard to imagine someone would install a skimming device on their credit card readers without their knowledge. I have a chip on my credit card, which means it can't be used without a PIN.

I just wanted to be sure there wasn't some kind of keylogging software on my computer.

[dickevans Super RootKit Eradicator]

Hi,

The more you describe the circumstances the less I'm inclined to suggest a problem with your computer. The programs I suggested above are great compliments to your Norton protection and I'd recommend their use, if only to help your peace of mind. SOJ's comments are all valid and I'd agree that a breach at the transaction site is the most likely point of compromise.

Working with the bank and the police is always a good idea as it provides them with more information which will assist any investigation. It would be nice to catch the bad guys but they may not not even be in your country. The best to be hoped for is improved blocking of their activities.

Stay well and surf safe

[stuartbramhall]

Thanks, Dick. I downloaded the two other programs that were recommended stuff. The SuperAntispam found some stuff. Three were flagged as urgent - two related to some program that related to disabling of the firewall without notification. I have no idea whether that related to my problem. I just took it off.

[dickevans Super RootKit Eradicator]

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stuartbramhall wrote:

Thanks, Dick. I downloaded the two other programs that were recommended stuff. The SuperAntispam found some stuff. Three were flagged as urgent - two related to some program that related to disabling of the firewall without notification. I have no idea whether that related to my problem. I just took it off.

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Hi,

Keep a close watch on things and do keep those two scanners on the desktop. They will find things that aren't 'viruses' that can still do damage, or at least be a serious PITA. A nag or two in the direction of the police and the bank can't hurt. Ask to be kept informed so you can adjust your security accordingly

Stay well and surf safe

[stuartbramhall]

The fraud office at the Bank is working on it - the NZ police are unlikely to take an interest unless the Bank can prove Kiwis were involved.

[Quads]

It wasn't Quads 

[dickevans Super RootKit Eradicator]

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stuartbramhall wrote:

The fraud office at the Bank is working on it - the NZ police are unlikely to take an interest unless the Bank can prove Kiwis were involved.

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Hi,

The police interest might be to alert the other banks of the activity so that their security and loss pervention teams can be watching.

[SendOfJive Norton Fighter]

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Quads wrote:

It wasn't Quads 

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I'm sure I saw your avatar up on the post office wall.