Vanilla reload broken PIN scam reports
Feb 13, 2013, 3:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,365
Vanilla reload broken PIN scam reports
This is a thread to report the VRs that have been tampered and are being used by somebody as a scam. Post here so others know where the broken cards are.
ATL: CVS East Cobb Barret and Bells Ferry. 6 digit PIN 2/13. Cash value stolen withen 2 hrs. (They had good cards 2/4)
ATL: CVS 285 & New Northisde, 6 digit PIN 1/27. Cash value not stolen.
ATL: CVS East Cobb Barret and Bells Ferry. 6 digit PIN 2/13. Cash value stolen withen 2 hrs. (They had good cards 2/4)
ATL: CVS 285 & New Northisde, 6 digit PIN 1/27. Cash value not stolen.
Feb 13, 2013, 4:31 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 10
I had this happen to me today at the ATL CVS, just inside 285 on Peachtree Industrial.
I saw the back of the cards and noticed wrinkles along the scratch off area. I found two that had less tampered look. However, the cashier accidentally pressed the cash button when i was checking out. So I grabbed another that was on the rack. When I scratched off the card, only the first and the last 4 digits were visible.
Good news is that I called InComm and after emailing a picture of the defective card, they were able to manually input the money onto my BB account while on the phone with them. Only took two phone calls and 30 minutes in between to take care of the problem.
-Sam
I saw the back of the cards and noticed wrinkles along the scratch off area. I found two that had less tampered look. However, the cashier accidentally pressed the cash button when i was checking out. So I grabbed another that was on the rack. When I scratched off the card, only the first and the last 4 digits were visible.
Good news is that I called InComm and after emailing a picture of the defective card, they were able to manually input the money onto my BB account while on the phone with them. Only took two phone calls and 30 minutes in between to take care of the problem.
-Sam
Feb 13, 2013, 4:48 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,365
On my recent bad card I can see a very slight wrinkle if I hold it at an angle.
Looks like perhaps the strip was only lifted about 1/3 off. Enough to somehow erase the 3 digits, then when placed back left a slight wrinkle.
Looks like perhaps the strip was only lifted about 1/3 off. Enough to somehow erase the 3 digits, then when placed back left a slight wrinkle.
Feb 13, 2013, 4:54 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
ATL: 3637 Peachtree Road NE, 6 digit pin 1/28. No idea about funds, received new PINs 10 days later.
Also, from the main thread:
Also, from the main thread:
That would not be good, as it could make them think I've done something wrong.
I bought my VRs at CVS at 680 Ponce de Leon Ave; Atlanta GA 30306
Of those who PM'd me with the same problem:
1 report of CVS at 680 Ponce de Leon Ave; Atlanta GA 30306
1 report of CVS "Downtown Decatur on Ponce"
1 report of CVS "Smyrna"
1 report with no location provided
I bought my VRs at CVS at 680 Ponce de Leon Ave; Atlanta GA 30306
Of those who PM'd me with the same problem:
1 report of CVS at 680 Ponce de Leon Ave; Atlanta GA 30306
1 report of CVS "Downtown Decatur on Ponce"
1 report of CVS "Smyrna"
1 report with no location provided
Feb 13, 2013, 4:57 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LAX/SNA
Programs: AA, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,887
Feb 13, 2013, 6:53 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Northwest, United
Posts: 3,256
Feb 13, 2013, 7:15 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 676
If only a third of it was lifted, how would the suspect be able to see the remaining two-thirds?
Feb 14, 2013, 9:20 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,365
Now that I know what to look for, the damage to the strip is clear. Hold the card at an angle so you get light reflecting off, and you can see slightly raised vertical lines where the strip has not been re-applied as well as the orriginal mfg process. On mine it is clear on the bottom (I can even feel it with a finger), but almost invisible along the top.
Feb 14, 2013, 3:55 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 197
I thought the theory on this previously was that there was a bad batch that got sent out to ATL stores. Are we definitely thinking fraud now?
Just scratch them off before you walk away from the counter and you'll be good.
I'm confused though, how is a crook making money by tampering with numbers? Are we suggesting they write the numbers down, put it back on the shelf, and then are constantly waiting/checking at a computer for it to be activated so they can go spend it real quick?
Just scratch them off before you walk away from the counter and you'll be good.
I'm confused though, how is a crook making money by tampering with numbers? Are we suggesting they write the numbers down, put it back on the shelf, and then are constantly waiting/checking at a computer for it to be activated so they can go spend it real quick?
Feb 14, 2013, 5:33 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,763
The only time this happened was when during the holiday time CVS system was overwhelmed and they had some issues to activate the cards, all cards, not just VR.
Otherwise, the moment it is activated, the moment you can load it.
Didn't you read many folks now load the cards thru their phones while they are still in the stores?