The $19,000 Lesson

I was in Las Vegas on business recently. As things tend to go in Vegas, you use your credit card more than you use actual greenbacks.

Several weeks later, Mrs Hammer was going through my bank statement. Intermixed with stops to the Las Vegas Outback, the Imperial Buffet (three times) and Dick's Last Resort (twice...get the catfish!) was a money transfer of NINETEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS! Right there on my credit card. Poor Mrs Hammer just about lost her mind. I, slightly more calm, called Bank of America to let them know of the mistake.

The short version of the story is that it appears someone in Vegas kept my card numbers for themselves & decided to go shopping. I'm pleased that Bank of America agreed with my claim & they've cleared me of the debt. Now, their fraud department is going after the bad guy.

In any event, it's a scary thought that someone can simply acquire your numbers & some basic information then go to town on your dime.

Be careful out there; you never know who you can trust.