When our Mastercard was compromised while we were in Mexico a couple of years ago WE HAD NOT USED IT UN MEXICO, and in fact it had never been out of the strongbox in three months. The last time we had used it had been at a Flying J in Texas three months before.

We prefer la Ropa properties while in Zihua and now spend most of our vacation time in Troncones.

My card has been hijacked in the states - I can usually narrow it down to a parking garage in NYC. I try to pay cash now everywhere I go - especially at restaurants.

While in Zihua, I always use pesos except at the Comerical Mexicana.

Got an e-mail from Capital One this afternoon, asking us to review 5 charges. 4 of them were fraudulent, so I clicked on "Wrong." The screen reminded us that we are NOT responsible for fraudulent charges, and asked us to call in. Did, on our wifi phone. They made it clear that these things just happen, killed the card, and offered to DHL a new one here in 5-8 days. We opted for home for March. Again, they reminded us that the charges would disappear in 72 hours.

Capital one now issues cards with different numbers on the same account. That means that although MY card was hacked, his wasn't! Account is still fine. If the other card is hacked, we will have them send a replacement here.

Credit cards, other things, and life get messed with sometimes. Fortunately, it usually works out in the end, at least with credit cards!!!

Sure, "it usually works out in the end" - the banks are happy, the thieves are happy and, aside from a little inconvenience, the affected customer is happy. The only losers are all the rest of us, who pay the price for all this fraud - even dumb schmucks like me who learned years ago not to use my credit cards in Mexico. The problem clearly is astronomical and will keep getting worse, unless and until regulations prohibit the banks from passing-on the costs of credit card fraud to their customers. Then you'll see some action. Right now, it has all the markings of a "crime without victims."

In recent years, banks have been required to provide some "truth in lending" information: showing real interest rates, etc. Why not require the banks to issue an annual statement to each customer that might say:

"The cost to you this past year to cover credit card fraud was $670.75 These costs could be eliminated if we tightened-up our credit card security, or swallowed those costs ourselves, but in the meantime, it's Don't Worry, Be Happy."

When the new card arrived I activated it. Within ONE DAY without the card ever leaving the house it had charges on it that were fraudulent.

D

ate breakfast on Madeira near LaCeiba.. payed with Master Card... left the restaurant after breakfast, walked to Commercial Mexicana and the card would not work... Phoned Mastercard and they said the card was compromised that half hour with purchases in USA and Europe.. The waiter left the table with the card and Mastercard said he probably took photos of both sides of the card and sold it right away... Did not lose any money but could not use the card for the next 3 months in Zihuatanejo... So don t let your card out of sight if you can help it...

Why would your not???

Capital one now issues cards with different numbers on the same account. That means that although MY card was hacked, his wasn't! Account is still fine. If the other card is hacked, we will have them send a replacement here.

Credit cards, other things, and life get messed with sometimes. Fortunately, it usually works out in the end, at least with credit cards!!!

It was for the tiny chance that it was from here that I said: IF others have had a similar problem here I'll post which restaurants and which Pemex

I don't want to unjustly harm any local business. So unless I hear of a specific instance I won't post business names. I think we have only used a CC twice here in restaurants. We prefer to pay cash when dealing with small local businesses. I have no problem paying with a CC at large corporate or international outfits, but I would rather the little guy not have to pay the CC fees.

gas stations in the us are notorious for this stuff!!

On the 13th there were three fraudulent charges on my VISA card.

One for $500.00, another to the same payee for $5,000.00 and a third to a different payee for $400.00

A call to VISA got prompt attention and a few questions; there was a $23,000.00 charge that VISA had blocked. One to Comercial Mexicana that was pending. I confirmed that the CM charge was legit.

I was issued a new card number, the fraudulent charges reversed and a new card mailed to my home.

Most of our charges locally have been to CM, a couple to Pemex and a couple of restaurants. Plus a couple of Pemexs on route here.

IF others have had a similar problem here I'll post which restaurants and which Pemex

Now I have a few notifications to make to recurring charges. And to KOBO so I can still get my e-books!