Report Your Small Fraudulent Charges
If you got hit with a small fraudulent charge (AKA spam charge) on your credit or debit card, please comment about it here and let the searching world know!
For information about Spam Charges, visit digitalagefraud.com.
I just added a new post focuses on DECORATION ART, LLC — comment there on that charge and here for others.
I was hit with $44.94 in charges to my account from this outfit [handango.com]. I have never heard of them and they seem to be a scam operation. I don’t even own a smart phone and their login account information has no record of my e-mail. Somebody should go after these guys. I can’t make heads or tails of it, either my number was stolen or this is a scam operation.
i was charged £ 25.59 by hgo handango and have never had any dealings with them at all, have cancelled card now but something needs to be done about these scamsters, i dont own a smartphone. very unhappy , i would like to see how they feel about being robbed for something they know nothing about.
i was charged 29,95$ from Interactive Gallery.
Did anyone have a adress or website for contact?
Thanks
CHECKCARD 07/07 SAFE T TEK INTERNATION PATTEN CO $15.00
called bank of america… the number for “safe t tek” they gave me was 503 262 9100
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=503+262+9100
Hi,
I just noticed I was charged over £50 by CCBill.com 888-5969279 AZ! I never known such company and would never have bought any stuff from this company!!!
How come such fradulant company exist after so much complaint?!
we have to do something to report them to consumer credit license to close them down! they are worms! should kill them! to stop them damage peoples finance!!!!
I got hit with $29 from MEDISSUE.COM… I saw the charge, but wasn’t really worried about it until I saw the international service fee associated with it… and then I realized it couldn’t be mine. It was only 9¢ off from a real medicine order I had made, but once I looked at the website, I realized it was fraudulent. I have a new account now and am really keeping an eye on all my accounts.
I discovered a fraudulent charge for $39.71 on my credit card from lafincs.com in the UK two weeks after I joined a softcore adult site in the UK through CCBill.com. Lafincs.com looks like a phony credit card processing site.
Since I only use CCBill as a credit card processor for online subscriptions of this sort, and this was the first UK site I had ever joined, the trail ultimately leads back to CCBill. The coincidence can’t be ignored.
They dismissed my concerns and said I probably had spyware (although I have relatively high system security, visit only safe sites, and carefully research sites before subscribing) Besides, I thought CCBill safeguarded my credit card information in the first place.
A WHOIS search of lafincs.com revealed it is owned by a Michelle Brown of La Fin Enterprises in the UK and she owns over 100 similar “credit card processing” and bizarre adult sites that probably aren’t even real.
I’m a moron in the midwest USA.
Well i’m not the only one i’m the same as Vern, the one above me.Came home from work on Thrusday and recorded message from my CC fraud services company verifying my CC charges,after verifying my online account and of course Lafincs was on there ($39.71),Friday morning called my CC services and talk to the fraud department and they cancelled my CC, yes yearlier in the year i did join on of those sites that was billed from CCBill.com. So i guessing some how are CC are being exposed to other sites.
Well i got my new CC from my bank, and it looks like i’ll never use CCbill again. Just found out today the $39.71 was taken out of my account from my old CC. I was hoping that the fraud department was’nt to charge that. I think Lafincs is lafing at us.
$39.71 charge. La Fin Enterprises and a host of other names. I have been had three times by these crooks. The latest is for $39.71, I called their CS number and the operator processed a refund with hardly any question. In each instance there has also been an nonrefundable “processing fee” of $1.85.
They can never offer any proof that I initiated the charge. They are a scam that I am sure makes a good deal of money via nonrefundable fees.
Thanks for the posted comments and reports…I was saved on nick of time….
I noticed a fraudulent debit charge from my account on 9/1/10 from Decoration Art LLC in Florida for $1.60 (I live in Montana). I hadn’t charged anything in person or on the internet. The next day I called the number listed by the charge (904-693-2471) and it already said it had been disconnected. The bank said it can’t be disputed for that small amount, but I cancelled my card and got a replacement.
I also got a fraudulent charge on my debit card for Decoration Art LLC in Florida for $1.60 and when i called the number it had been disconnected. I called my credit union and they will refund the money! Only 1.60 , but if 1000 people get billed-look at the totals! Probably banking on people not getting refunded. Such a pain to have to get new card but what choice is there?
I was also a victim of a fraudulent charge on my card. It was from a company called Decoration Art LLC from Florida. They only charged $1.60 to my account, but the point is they have my info. Called the number on my statement (904-693-2471) and the number has already been disconnected. Called the bank to dispute the charge and had them cancel my card and reissue me a new one.
I have also seen a fraudulent charge from Decoration Art LLC (Jacksonville FL) show up on my most recent statement. Total charges of $4.60. Canceled the card and will be seeking a refund tomorrow.
How in the world can someone get away with this sort of thing? There has to be a way to track the $ back to an account somewhere.
I first received a charge on 9/13/10 for $25.90 from:
VP*IDEA VILLAGE
800-765-2994
Purchase Date: 09/13/10
It was described as a “Retail Store”. My credit card declined it, thankfully.
On 9/15/10, I noticed a charge of $1.00 (to fly under the radar and “feel out my account”) on my credit card transaction report:
UMG*EDGE(888)3267156
888-326-7156 IL
Purchase Date: 09/14/10
I did not make a purchase to initiate this charge, which was also described as a “Retail Store”. This time, the charge went through.
Immediately, on 9/15/10 another charge, this time for $4.60 from:
DECORATION ART, LLC
904-693-2471 FL
Purchase Date: 09/14/10
I did not make a purchase to initiate this charge, which was also described as a “Retail Store”. This time, to, the charge went through.
I called all the numbers, and got answering machines, some of which referred me to other number, also with answering machines. The “Idea Village” number is no longer in service.
I finally found an email address that got a response when I told them that I had been fraudulently billed and threatened further action, and I got this response:
From: custserv@IdeaVillage.com
Subject: RE: Unauthorized and unwanted charge on my credit card
Date: September 20, 2010 7:14:52 AM PDT
To: xxxxxxxx@xxx
“Your order was cancelled today, 9/20/10 per your request and all third party offers were cancelled and will be credited to your credit card.”
There was no further comment, but clearly, Idea Village acknowledged without saying so, that they had fraudulently charged my credit card.
THEN, I got this:
From: custserv@IdeaVillage.com
Subject: RE: Unauthorized and unwanted charge on my credit card
Date: September 27, 2010 8:35:25 AM PDT
To: xxxxxx@xxxxx
We cancelled your Uglu order and you were never charged for it. As far as the $1.00 charge you have to call 1-866-434-6600. When I call that number, it is the same customer service department as Idea Village, even though the charge is for Uglu.
I still have not gotten satisfaction regarding the DECORATION ART, LLC charge, as you all have noted, the phone number is disconnected and the website is shut down. This is a major scam, and I have reported it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.
http://complaint.ic3.gov/update
A lot of people don’t look closely at their credit card statements, and a $4.60 charge labeled “Retail Store” does not stand out. I bet 90% of these charges get through unchallenged, and the person who is doing this is setting up shop, then moving before anyone can catch up to him. I am hoping the the FBI or FCC will track him or her down.
Report abuse when you see it.
I just received a charge of $4.60 from “Decoration Art LLC, 904-693-2471” as well (on 9/28/2010). I cancelled my debit card immediately and issued the fraud with my bank.
Was just hit with a $42.06 charge from LAFINCS.COM. It sounds like it may be the same deal as someone mentioned above, except being in Canada, exchange rate works out to $42.06 instead of $39.71 or whatever.
I haven’t used this card for online transactions in over a year, so I have no idea. I may have subscribed to something via CCBill well OVER a year ago, so if they’re to blame, they’ve been holding onto my information for quite some time. Either way, card’s being replaced and bank is looking into this as a fraud case.
I just checked my bank statement today- and I too have a charge for 4.60 from “Decoration Arts LLC, 904-693-2471” on 9/28/10. Cancelled debt-called bank with fraud. GRRRRR
I just checked my online account today. I have a charge for $7.60 from Decoration Arts LLC. I called the number 904-693-2471 this morning and it has been disconnected.
I am yet another victim of “Decoration Art, LLC”. My account was hit with a $4.60 charge on September 22, 2010. Like many others have already posted, I called the number referenced with the charge [(904) 693-2471] only to find out that it has been disconnected. I have also reported the charge to my bank & cancelled my card.
Not only is this inconvenient, it’s infuriating. I wonder how many others have been hit and haven’t realized it.
Rich, thank you for suggesting the Internet Crime Complaint Center
Received a $4.60 charge to my debit card from Decoration Arts on 9/28. They’ve been busy I see. Initiated a charge back through my bank, canceled my card.
It’s typical to initiate fraud by trying small amounts to see if a card works. Then they start using it for the biggies.
I was hit by Decoration Art for $7.60 today. (they like ending in .60) Getting debit card canceled. My wife called the number, 904-263-5578, and got a voicemail. The address I found through google looks like someone’s house. I bet they used someone’s address and phone number that aren’t even theirs.
CCBill charged me for a book “I was fired by the airlines” on August 3 and I have NEVER EVER received anything.
I will make a complaint !!!
That shows me for once more, that online orders from abroad (I live in Switzerland) is a high risk – never again !!!
I got $7.60 from Decoration Art LLC on my card too. Chase called me to ask me if I’d made the charge. I had not. They’re cancelling my card and blocking the chart now.
I was also charge $4.60 from Decoration Art,LLC. I called the number the “company” provided (1-904-693-2471), it was a disconnected number. This number was a landline in the Jacksonville, Fl. My card was cancelled by Chase; and the charge was reported as fraud.
I just got charged TODAY by Decoration Art, LLC for 4.60. Called bank and cancelled card. I am very private and careful with my information, as my spouse was a victim of identity theft last year. I got an email from Pay pal a month and a half ago, which I used one time, to order my son movies, and I thought the email was a scam, saying my information may have been taken. Well, must have been true. Called number, disconnected. What the heck.
I feel like little Sir Echo! The last several posts are sum up my experience exactly! Have contacted my Credit Union and waiting word! Spread the word people! Lets get these buggers!
i got charged 9/02 by Decoration Art, LLC for $1.60. Called 904-693-2471 FL and it’s disconnected. What an incovenience just to go through all of this. I just want to make sure, my next month bill will not be charged again.
I had a charge for $7.60. I had visited a website earlier to morgangold.com. Researching Decoration Art, LLC, I discovered that the domain is affiliated to morgangold.com. I will alert the television network that advertised this company and alert them of a connection and possible web intrusion by what I suspect is advanced spyware. Please research the connection between the two companies and decide for yourself.
$4.60 for decoration art, LLC. Phone # cancelled. Bank says it was my wife’s debit card and the store was listed as “computer software store”. I am disputing and have my wife’s card cancelled. Thank god my bank has instant issue debit cards!
And rack up another for Decoration Art LLC with phone number of 904-263-5578. The phone went straight to voicemail, with an option to leave a message, which I did not, but the recorded female message came with a very heavy Indian (I think) accent. The charge on my CC was only for $1.60. I called the bank; CC/debit card has been canceled, and now have to go to the bank to ask that they issue a new one. Inconvenient, to say the least. What I want to know, is where did I actually, truly shop that skimmed my number…if it works that way.
OCTOBER 15, 2010
Just like so many others, noticed a charge for $4.60 from Decoration Art LLC….(phone number disconnected.) Called & cancelled the card & have to get a fraud letter from my bank. Filed a complaint with the Internet Crime Website.
I noticed a fraudulent debit charge from my account on 10/11/10 from Decoration Art LLC in Florida for $4.60 (I live in Ohio). I hadn’t charged anything in person or on the internet. Also, I credit everything not debit. So I called the number listed by the charge (904-693-2471) and it said it had been disconnected. I went straight to the bank to replace my card and block the previous card. I filled a fraud complaint with my bank.
We just noticed a charge from Decoration Art LLC on our bank account today in the amount of $4.60. Infuriating to say the least. Will be going to the bank to cancel our cards AGAIN as this isn’t the first time this has happened to us. I’m ready to hide all of my money under the mattress.
i was charged by decoration art llc in florida as well for 4.60. (i live in boston) called and had it cancelled. had to jump through hoops though at sovereign it seemed. they tried to keep getting me to call the company when i told them it was disconnected.
I noticed a charge of $4.60 from Decroation Art LLC on my account today. Like everyone else I had to call my bank and cancel my card. I’m just glad that I found out that other’s were having the same problem because I would have went crazy trying to figure out where the charge came from. So what did I do to allow someone to get my account information?
I as well noticed a charge of $4.60 from Decoration Art in FL on my account. I called my bank and had my debit card cancelled and they are sending me a new one. But, how scary is this….esp that I see I am not the only one this is happening too. Thought it was strange that is was for a small amount and there were no other charges. I knew this charge was not mine!
I also just found a charge on my debit card for $4.60 from Decoration Art LLC in Florida. I have been extremely careful where I use my card online because my card has been compromised before, and it’s scary that they still got through.
This happened to me on Oct 19th. Decoration Art out of FL debited $4.60 out of my account. Their number is disconnected. I had to cancel my card and now have to go through paperwork to get my money back. I had to file a police report with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Dept. I hope everyone else does the same. I am in Texas and they got me! Don’t let these scammers get away with this.
I live north of Boston and was charged the same $4.60 from Decoration Art in FL. I called Decoration’s “phone number” and of course it was disconnected. Please advise your friends to check their bank statements. If these people are only charging $4.60, some people will probably just write it off. If Decoration Art is charging $4.60 to thousands of people, they’re making a mint! People are horrible and yes, this is scary. I called my bank and canceled my card. I also called my local police department but they said that the bank will handle an investigation, I hope!
I am also filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
http://www.ic3.gov/
Hopefully if we all do this, the person will get caught.
I got the $7.60 fraudulent charge from Decoration Art back in early September. I think my number may have been skimmed via seattlefabrics.com because that was the only recent legitimate exposure from a purchase I had to make online for work. Anyway the CEO listed online is Michael Lee of Jacksonville, FL. I sleuthed his home number online and it is goes to voicemail where he says his name. I called 10+ times and he never picked up. The voice sounded like a middle-aged black male. His number is disconnected now, but recently he has popped up again here:
http://www.michaelleesdojo.com/index.cfm?page=4
There’s a decent chance this is the guy running the scam, or else some other party would have had to register Decoration art and pdaplusmore under his name to disguise their affairs, but Michael Lee definately stopped answering his phone for SOME reason.
Jeremy,
I would be very cautious in assigning blame to a website. From previous experience (digitalagefraud.com), the bad guys even hit credit cards that were never activated by the owner. These folks could have easily hacked your local grocery store’s credit card records as a website.
Here’s a link to Decoration Art CEO Michael Lee’s appearance in the phone book.
http://www.realpageslive.com/guide/FL/Jacksonville_White_and_Yellow_Pages/Residence/302.asp
The line rings but no longer goes to voicemail. I suspect the karate guy might be him, but I don’t have the nerve to call him and do a voice match to what I heard on the voicemail at 904-781-1425.
brmorris,
I’m sure seattlefabrics had no conscious role if any at all. They are a legitimate business. As an aside, My wife had her CC# stolen via a local bar in my town probably from a dirty employee. We figured it out because they caught the guy and he turned out to be an employee there and we later noticed that this particular bar prints the entire CC# and exp date on their receipts. Just careless. The dumbass ordered $120 of pizza delivery TWICE in two days and they nailed him the second time.
Arizona. Got a call yesterday from Chase regarding the $4.60 charge from Deco Art. Would be interesting to know what most of us have in common here. I assume an online purchase from a vendor whose website/database was compromised.
Another Decoration Art LLC victim here – $4.60 on my debit card. Same story as everyone else, phone number disconnected, etc. Unlike Chase, though, TD Bank did not call me about it perhaps they have not had as many incidents as Chase. Regardless, I canceled my card and they are doing their own investigation. On the bright side it looks like I will be getting my $4.60 back at the end of the investigation!
I am wondering if it is at all related to facebook and/or payal. I just purchased credits for MallWorld that my daughter plays via facebook and right after the paypal charge I now see a $4.60 from Decoration Art, will be going to the bank tomorrow. Have never had an issue with paypal or facebook before but that is all I can think of…
Suddenly on my credit card, there is a charge for $9.89 from http://Www.thedigistar.com 206-2020027 Vt. I’ve closed my credit card, thank you scumbag.
Decoration Art LLC made a $4.60 withdrawal from our account 10/15/10. We have never even heard of this company. Our bank closed the account and I reported it to the BBB. I see that someone mentioned MallWorld. My daughters to go on that website but we have not bought any credit there. We have bought credits on Small Worlds and Free Realm. Not sure if that sounds familiar to anyone else? The only other online transactions that we have made was a subscription to Allure magazine and dues to USA Tae Kwon Do.