4 August 2023 ~ The morning started with my washing machine technician suddenly turning up at my door to fix an unresolved issue that was reported to him a month back but he only came to fix it today. While waiting for him to check on my washer, I reached for my phone, expecting the usual barrage of notifications. Among them, one message stood out like a red flag. An SMS informed me of an amount for a RM682 order on GoLive Asia, with the first installment billed to my credit card via Atome. My heart raced, and my mind immediately jumped to the dreaded conclusion: I was a victim of credit card fraud.
Barely catching my breath, I opened my email to find an official confirmation from Atome, detailing a $2,046 transaction to be split across three installments. Panic coursed through my veins as I connected the dots – I was under attack by a fraudster. The scam that had befallen Alycia just several days ago loomed large in my memory, intensifying my fear and disbelief.
With my heart pounding, I dialed my bank’s customer service number, eager to block my credit card and prevent further unauthorized transactions. Unfortunately, fate seemed to conspire against me as I was put on hold due to the high call volume. The clock ticked away, and every passing minute increased the risk of more fraudulent charges being made.
Nearly 40 minutes later, a real person’s voice finally graced my ears. Frustration mingled with anger as I chastised the bank representative for the seemingly endless wait. I hurriedly explained my predicament – a victim of online credit card fraud – and demanded the immediate cancellation of my card.
Just as I was engrossed in my heated conversation with the bank, another call disrupted the chaos – Sherilyn (who was at work) was on the line. Her voice carried a mix of concern and urgency as she had just read my Whatsapp message to our family chat group on my supposed online credit card fraud. It was then that the bombshell dropped – Sherilyn was the one responsible for the seemingly fraudulent transactions.
Stunned, my anger turned from external forces to a more personal target – my own daughter. The realization that my daughter had used my credit card without my knowledge left me feeling deceived, and scammed by the very person I trusted. Amidst scolding Sherilyn and continuing my conversation with the bank, I grappled with an array of emotions, from disappointment to fury.
As Sherilyn explained her side of the story, a clearer picture emerged. She had purchased concert tickets for herself and her friends, opting to pay through Atome. Unbeknownst to her, my credit card details were still linked to her Atome account from a past transaction I had helped her with. Her recent attempt to update her payment method had not overridden the default setting, leading to the unintended use of my card. Sherilyn had to choose which card (my credit card or her debit card) to make payment with and she failed to check this area. Corroded by guilt for being careless, Sherilyn immediately transferred the full amount of RM2046 to my bank account even though only RM682 was charged to my credit card.
In the end, what initially seemed like a horrifying case of fraud turned out to be a series of unfortunate events and miscommunication. As the dust settled, I realized the importance of open communication and maintaining awareness of our digital footprints. My anger subsided, replaced by a mix of relief, understanding, and a commitment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
I continued with the cancellation of my current credit card and am now awaiting a new card from the bank. Thankfully no charges are incurred for the new card. I have also withdrawn the report on the fraud case. The customer service staff who was on the line with me heard my heated conversation with Sherilyn on another phone and I think she must be shaking her head in disbelief, thinking that I was really scammed by my own daughter 😂
My Friday fright, while initially a tale of fraud and panic, transformed into a lesson in family communication, digital vigilance, and the unpredictability of life’s twists. As the weekend dawned, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of it all – a frightening ordeal that ended with a big sigh of relief and an important lesson that Sherilyn and I have learned.
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