Reader says he didn’t make Obama donation charged to credit card

I received this message by email Wednesday afternoon. I edited the message lightly to remove any indicators of the person’s identity. We certainly don’t want whoever did this to know a new card is en route. I suggest everyone, regardless of party preference, watch your credit card statement.

Hello,

You may have noticed a report about a fraudulent $2300 charge on a couple's credit card. If not I include a link here...

I had the exact same thing happen to me. My credit card was charged $2000 for "Obama for America" on 2 Oct. This charge posted on 6 Oct to my electronic statement. When I reviewed the statement on the 9th I discovered it and cancelled my card. Unlike the couple in the news story, I was not harassed by my credit card company about possibly doing this in error. I am also savvy enough to know that I was not phished and did not go to a site I was not aware of to make the donation.

I was able to call the number from the campaign which was listed on the bill and have the charge reversed. The representative was very friendly and helpful and also forwarded me to a supervisor (and left a message) to help track this down. Well, I thought they wanted to help, but I have not received a call back from the campaign as of this date. The campaign did come through and refunded my charge, but in the meantime I am without my credit card until a new one is received.

Ordinarily I wouldn't think too much about it, chalking the experience up to Identity Theft. But what happens in a true ID theft situation if your credit card number is stolen? The thief uses your credit card as much as possible, right? So why would this be the ONLY erroneous charge for a week before I discovered the error?

Now, I can understand that there are people out there who may have donated (or have had family members donated on their behalf) and then had regrets/second thoughts. I can assure you that has not happened here.

I thought it was interesting enough to pass on.

Thanks for listening,