My Citibank Fraud Experience (Debit Card)

I have been a victim of fraud before, but this was a little different this time.  I woke up one morning and went to work as usual.  I hadn't checked my checking account at this point because I wasn't expecting any transactions.  If I were, I would have checked first thing that morning.  So later in the morning, knowing I was about to go out to the store I checked my account to make sure I have enough.  It's a habit, no surprises needed at the checkout counter.  Much to my surprise, I had a $0.00 balance.  Not $0.31 or $2.42 which could have been accurate.  No, this was $0.00 and the charges were made that morning around 6am.  I didn't have a lot of money in the account to begin with, but I knew I had something. 

Without being too detailed, I had 4 transactions that totaled about $250.  Two of the transactions were the same amount, let's say $70 and the other 2 were $90 and $20.  All of the transactions were made at 3 different locations in the same city...about 8 hours away from me and around the same time, minutes apart.  The transaction description on my account stated that a debit card was used for each transaction.  So I checked my purse and surely I had the card in my possession!  So how could this happen?  Darn scammers!

I called the bank's fraud department as soon as I could and told them the situation.  They asked some questions and credited back the amounts and said that the fraud would be researched and I should receive the outcome in 30 days.  They also cancelled my card and overnighted me a new one. 

Ok, all done I thought.

About 30 days later, I surely received a message in online banking stated that they have researched the case and came to the conclusion that those were my charges and I am responsible for them since my card was in my possession at the time of the fraud and the pin along with the physical card had to be used to conduct the transactions so surely I made the transactions.  To add insult to injury, the letter also said that the transactions were within my normal activity.

I was floored.  There is no way I go into 3 separate convenient stores and buy $250 worth of anything, gas or otherwise.  So I decided to reach out to Citibank.  I reached out on Twitter, FB and through email.  I looked up the executives' email addresses online and I think that is what really got my case looked into again.

The media person told me that I couldn't have my case looked into, until after the money would be taken out of my account again, which was a week later.  I felt so powerless.  I kept my email to the executives updated each time an action was taken. 

After the money was taken out again, I called Citibank to appeal my case.  They credited my account again and said that they would research the account again.  A couple of days later I received an online message telling me that they overturned their decision and the funds will be credited to me permanently.

It was an uphill battle, but I believe if I had not sent an email to the executives, then my case would not have been looked into and overturned.  I also believe that the case wasn't researched to see that I live 8 hours away from where the transactions were conducted and the time line didn't add up and the transactions were way out of my normal activity.

I'm happy it turned out well, but I did have to put some work into it.  While speaking with one of the representatives, she mentioned that it was probably a scamming device used at a gas station and they just cloned my card information and pin.  Probably was.  Since then I also activated an alert that my bank has that states anytime a card is not present for the transaction I get an alert.  It's working well so far, but I hope this never happens again!

My GreenPath Debt Management Experience (GreenPath Review)

Falling behind in cards, I sought out a debt management company to assist me with this issue.  Yes, don't go into debt, don't rack up debt, and watch your spending...got it!  But for those of you who are at this point and exploring your options, let me share with you my experience.

So coming to the decision that I would go with a debt management company, I also decided to research multiple companies before deciding on one.  The companies I contacted were:

• InCharge
• Cambridge Credit Counseling
• GreenPath
• American Consumer Credit
• Consolidated Credit Solution

I really wanted to avoid talking with someone on the phone, so I wanted a company where I could input everything online and sign up there.  The only company that seemed to accommodate this was InCharge.  I really loved the website.  It was easy and you could go back and forth to tailor the plan to your needs.

Other than InCharge, I contacted the other companies by phone.  It was pretty much the same conversation...about 30 minutes to an hour on the phone.  I had to give the reason for my call (to get a handle on my debt because it's becoming overwhelming).  Tell how or why I've arrived at this point and also give household budget information and credit information.  Each company pulled my credit report, so it was a soft pull that doesn't count against you.  They went over each item to ask if I wanted to include those accounts in the debt management plan.  I had older collections accounts that I didn't want included because they were about to fall off of my credit reports.  I had accounts that were in good standing that I didn't want to include that were credit union accounts, but I also had accounts that were in good standing that I still included.

The reason why I still included those were because the debt management company can negotiate for a lower interest rate and lower payment most times.

I selected Greenpath because it was the plan that made the most sense to me.  It wasn't the lowest, but it had a combination of the most accounts I wanted to include and the payments were manageable.
I inputted all of the plans into an Excel spreadsheet and included the payment into my budget to see where my budget would stand.  Each company emailed me their breakdown and after selecting Greenpath's I signed the agreement electronically so that my payment could be underway.

I immediately received a plan confirmation and continued to swallow the lump in my throat.  A sigh of relief and a swelling of anxiety and anxiousness, I signed up for the online portal.

Note, there is a one time payment that can be included with the first payment or paid at the time you sign up depending on the company.  Also, my monthly charge for the company was $50 that comes out of the monthly payment.  They may be able to do weekly  or bi-weekly payments as well, but I'm not sure.

Online Portal
I was so relieved that there was an online portal that had all of my information and detailed each time a proposal was sent out, accepted, or rejected.  I knew they wouldn't be accepted right away so it was now time to sit and wait.  So I checked the portal every 5 minutes and nothing LOL.  I figured it would update the next day and it did.  Only 9 out of 14 creditors accepted my proposal and one said no.  The other 4 remained in pending status.

Facebook Group
I also signed up for their Facebook Group.  The only way you can get accepted into the group is if you provide your Client ID number that you receive when you sign up for the plan.  I am so happy I found the group.  I searched for information from those in the plan new and old and some that were making their last payments!

Task #1 from the Online Portal
I got an email and text alert that I have a task in the online portal.  It was a notification that one of the creditors would only accept the proposal if I paid $10 more a month.  At first, I was devastated because I was thinking if this vendor is asking then all vendors will want more and then I will be paying hundreds more than I signed up for.

Chat in the Online Portal
The Chat function in the online portal is a God send.  It beats picking up the phone anyday!  I've chatted so much with them, I know they know me personally by now.  Any question or insecurity I had, I inquired through chat.  They would look up my account and let me know what is going on.  I felt so much better after tallking to them.

Thursday, June 20, 2019
My credit score is falling rapidly, but it was already in duress.  I have seen where companies are reporting 30 day lates because I missed one payment before signing up for the plan.  If I had known, I would have made every effort to not miss any payments and pay the difference until the plan took over.  Also, I would have moved all of my payment dates to later dates in the month so that the plan would be accommodated better with each account.

I've heard that the credit score dropping is a side effect if you are missing payments or are paying late.   Also, accounts are being closed when they are taken over by the plan, but sometimes this doesn't hurt your credit score depending on the condition of the account going into the plan.

As of today, I have 4 creditors pending that have not accepted the payment proposals.  GreenPath has sent the proposals out to them again.  Fingers crossed...waiting sucks.

Phone Calls and Collections
I have one creditor that is still calling me that hasn't accepted the plan.  I may reach out to them to see if they are going to accept it because fees are still being charged.  However, GreenPath still sends them the proposed payment even if they haven't accepted the plan yet.


    

HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!!!

 

I came back and I promise to be consistent! It's hard with no audience but I know this is how it goes at first. I'm one of the most cool, relatable people you can meet. I like to gather different angles on a subject just to see what's out there. I'm all over the place sometimes so that's just how my mind works, sorry, not sorry. :-)

 

WEIGHTLOSS

I've decided that I need to lose weight....horribly! I've always known that I need to lose weight, but I'm talking from 210 lbs to 150 at least! I really need to make a drastic change. It seems that it's the only way I'll be accepted into society, truthfully. I'm ready for people to pull me to the side and say, "Hey, are you sick? You've lost a lot of weight!" And then I can say, "No, I lost weight because this is how people want me to look. When I was fat, people talked about me and now that I'm skinny, people still talk about me. I can't win for losing. So what do you think? I should gain 10 pounds? Where should I gain it? In my face, in my arms? The BMI says I should weigh 145 lbs and I weigh 150 so technically I'm overweight. Let me know what you think ok?"

I think that would be sooooooooooo much fun!!!!!!

 

I really would like to lose weight for the following:

Feel lighter
More energy
Feel accepted
Feel attractive - more than I do now
Feel like everyone likes me - skinny women can do no wrong
Wear the clothes I like to wear....swimsuits to the beach, sleeveless tops to work, flattering dresses
Wear a short cut when my face slims
Be more confident going out and being sociable

I know people are saying that's all crap. Whatever, this is for ME! I'm going to do this and report my findings!

This is the worst that can happen....

 

I lost 60lbs and guess what:

I have less energy than every before b/c I'm being more sociable
I don't feel accepted, everyone is telling me how they liked my fat face, big belly, hips, thighs and batwings
I feel less attractive with this cute romper on
Everyone hates me now that I am more attractive I have so many cute clothes that I'm depressed
Everyone hates my cute short cut b/c they don't recognize me anymore
Everyone hates my social life b/c I'm always dating now

I'll let you know when I run into those problems!

 

FINANCES

I've come along way, but Baby Step #1 has come and gone and needs to come back. So that's where I am with this...Baby Step #1, save $1k for an emergency fund. My 05 Chevy Malibu is having some door lock issues and draining my battery so I believe I have to get a new battery. Let's just hope I don't have to get a new car. It does have some issues, but I'm not ready for a $400 car payment at this time.

Car Issues:
Door locks locking and unlocking both while car off and on
Visor broke off on driver's side
Power seat went out years ago on driver's side
CD player went out years ago
Car doesn't crank up right away
Fuel gage stopped working years ago
Windows don't work when hot and may work when not hot
Needs a $100 shampoo/detail job

I don't think I want to get these things repaired. I've thought about it but they would end up telling me a need a new engine and transmission and every other important part for a car.

I'm trying to get myself prepared to buy a new car. At least get my emergency fund under way and then I'll feel more secured. I like having money for things when they come up. I'm not very sociable for this reason though. Seems that when I am, I have to spend more money to go out. I like having money stashed for if I need to do emergency travel, sick loved ones, funeral, anything that warrants funds and is an emergency.   I don't feel guilty for spending then. I also like helping out loved ones and not needing to look for the money back because at one time I needed assistance as well although I'm not out of the ball park.

I'LL BE BACK

Enough writing for now. Thank you for reading and feel free to leave comments and/or feedback. I love to read what people think of situations or what they have experienced. Always appreciated.

My Ramblings...Beware!

Unless I focus, the things I plan just don't happen.  LOL  I have really been feeling some type of way this last week.  Things that have happened in the last week....

I have been experiencing lower back pain.
Where did it come from?  I have never had this kind of pain before!!!! The only thing I can think of is I turned my bed a different way!  That's it!  I promise, tonight I'm turning it back around!!  Pray with me that this works!  I have taken Advil, but it still comes back (no pun intended).  I just don't understand and it is very annoying!

Daughter's Friend Lost Her Boyfriend
I got the news yesterday afternoon that my daughter's friend lost her boyfriend due to a drowning accident.  I am lost for words.  He's about 25 years old if that and was away at college.  I am at a lost for words.  I have their picture in my living room.  This  is very sad and that's an understatement.

I got a loan from my retirement account.  Yep, didn't know I could do it.  Paid down some bills and put some away for savings.  Glad I could withdraw it.

Did I say my back hurts???? Ugh!

I watch the reality show The Preacher's Daughters, OMG!  I guess if a camera was on me like that people would say the same about me, but the back talking and gestures from the show were out of this world!

I need another book to read!  I guess I will download Lion Among Men.  I have a void to fill ever since I finished the last book, Son of a Witch.  I started listening to the Twighlight Zone on Audiobooks, but I swear I have seen and heard them all.  I have had marathons of the shows as soon as I get past the theme music!  So scary!

I'm going on a trip in August to Orlando and I really don't want to go now!  I hate getting ready for trips b/c that's where I spend all of my money!  I have vowed to spend none....we'll see how that goes!

I tasted a white chocolate sugar crystal covered strawberry yesterday.  It was soooooo good! 

The Question of My Life:  Will I ever get married?  Will I ever date again?  My last dating scene was horrible!  Full of lies and deceit I just couldn't take it anymore.  I don't want to be alone for the rest of my life, but I don't want to be with a jerk either.

Task for today
Weigh my self and post...omg!
Exercise
Weekly Meal Prep

Audiobooks: Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire

I'm listening to Son of a Witch (Unabridged) by Gregory Maguire on #Audible for #Android. Get the app free: https://www.audible.com/t1/CREB @audible_com

Since I was a child and captivated by one of my first favorite fantasy movies, The Wizard of Oz, I've always longed for those types of movies and books.  So when I heard a coworker mention the book "Wicked" to me, I was speechless.  She even loaned me her book and from day one I could not put it down!  The twists that were put on this story were brilliant!  After completing the book I felt drained and that life has no purpose.  I feel ready at that point to leave this life and search for that land or the characters that were in the book!  I really do!  Well this book was no different.  The endings are so full of dramatic events and leaves you wanting more.  I beleive there are two more books to this series as of now.  I'll just have to get myself together to start the new one.  I wish they could be put into film!  I really do!

My Bucket List and Why it's Mine

 

 

Ah, the coveted bucket list!

 

Yes, I do have one!  What's on it, well let's see....

#4 See a Broadway Play

 

I remember being in school and seeing the most well put together play in the world!  It was a the local civic center, A Mid Summer Night's Dream, I believe and the stage was amazing!  The characters were amazing!  And the play was mesmerizing!  I long for that day again, so I really want to see Wicked, The Lion King, and/or Legally Blonde ( I saw this play on TV - it was amazing even on TV!)  So, I think I actually want to travel to New York (I've never been), so that I can get the full effect there!  I'm thrilled just speaking about it!

#3 Learn to Play the Piano

Yep, I would love to do that.  Being a fan of Stevie Wonders and Alicia Keys doesn't help this I'm sure.  I love piano music, like for real for real!  It's so soothing and mellow or can not be, but that's the kind I like.  So classical and eloquent and flowing...yep, I long to be able to play this instrument.  I don't see myself in an opera house or anything like that.  Just home, in my well lit den, on my piano, playing and singing.  I think I have a good ear for music or I like to tell myself that.  This is really one of my dreams.  I just have to find the time to take lessons.  I'm terrified though.  I wonder if I can practice on a keyboard since I can't afford or don't want to invest in a piano at this time?  I just picture a mean, stout lady with (with a bun) and a ruler in her hand who will crack my knuckles with her ruler whenever I hit the wrong note! Yikes!
I just think it would be so soothing!

#2 Learn to Swim

Ok, after #1 (you'll read in a minute), I would like to learn how to swim.  I'll head over to the YMCA, take some classes and be swimming with the dolphins in no time!  Ok, swimming with the dolphins is extremely figurative speaking.  Don't think I would ever want to get in the ocean past my knees.  Nope, no thank you, have at it, and good luck!  I'm sure when I decided to, Jaws, the whale from the Bible, the Lockness monster, and all the mysterious creatures of the sea will somehow introduce themselves to me. No thanks!  However, if I went on a cruise and the boat capsizes as in Titanic, maybe I'll have a fighting chance...I guess...if somehow I can get the sea creatures to join in the rescue and not eat me up.  Or if I'm leisurely at the pool or the beach and someone needs rescuing...I don't know.  I like being around water, so I feel that it's only appropriate that I learn to swim.

 

#1 50lb Weight Loss - currently 195lbs

Yep, I don't think anything else happens if this doesn't happen and fast.  Ok, I know it doesn't need to happen fast or it won't last.  But I don't think people understand this who haven't been through or going through this.  People say looks aren't everything, but let me just drop these 50lbs please and be healthy at the same time!  I've never been this heavy in my life and I'm tired of it!  I haven't seen the 180's in so long!  I don't remember when I weighed that much, maybe back in 2012.  I can't believe I just kept gaining! I don't know maybe I thought I was invincible...sigh.  I can't wait, I can't wait when I see someone I haven't seen in awhile and they are like, you look really good!  Instead of saying, OMG you have gained weight!  I have heard plenty of conversations of ladies talking about other ladies' weight and I cringe because I know they could easily be talking about me. :-(    

Sound Off!

So there you have it.  Hmmm, a timeline you say?  Well, I would definitely like #1 and #2 to happen this year.  We'll revisit the rest after that and probably add more to the list at that time.  Got a bucket list or recently marked some things off?  Share it!  Or...tell me about mine.  Do you share the same goals?  Have you experienced any of them?  I would love to hear what you have to say! 

Here We Go Again!

 
 
I've been dying to get back to blogging.  So after dying and coming back LOL, I decided to pry this site back open and express myself on this platform!  Not only are you lucky to be reading my blog, you have been brought here for a reason!  That reason I do not know, but we'll find out together.  How about that?  So let's go....
 

 
So what I have I been up to?  A couple of things, I suppose.  I'm on a weight loss/ healthy-me journey.  I was diagnosed with diabetes late last year and that kind of scared me a little.  So it's been a struggle, but I'm still rolling.  I'm doing better than I was so that's good news.  I'm borderline for the most part so with me consistently being borderline, I'm a diabetic.  My A1c was 6.5, now it's 5.9 ( I think).  I was put on Metformin for Diabetes and Pravastatin for Cholesterol and I don't like taking either one.  So my motivation really is to get off of the medication.  While I'm seeing this may not happen for a while even with good reports I'm fighting with a two-prong attack, health and fitness. 
 

 
I use Livestrong.com tracking religiously.  I really believe in it, it has helped me tremendously.  I log in my exercise there as well.  I have tried other websites like My Fitness Pal, but I always seem to go back to Livestrong.  I also use the Endomondo Android app for tracking my exercises.  I have always liked the layout and ease of use.  I wish the two apps would marry each other, that would be nice.  Anyhoo, my daily calorie count is a little under 1300 a day, but with 30 minutes to an hour a day exercise, I can eat more.  While I can eat more, I still try to stay clean.  My exercise routine usually consists of walking and sometimes a little jogging, an emphasis on the little or a high impact aerobics DVD depending on my mood.  I really feel good when I do my exercise.  Hopefully this blog will keep me gong-ho about it!

 
In tracking my daily food intake, I try to plan for the week or day what I'm going to consume.  This really protects me, but if I don't make the time, I try my best to stay away from sodas, juices, sugary drinks period, fried foods, and bread, rice pasta and sweets.  I try to incorporate yummy foods into my plan so I don't deprive myself. 
 

The #1 thing that I need to work on is weekend eating. Somehow my mind tells me that I have done good all week and I can reward myself.  I literally let myself go, so I have to start all over again the following Monday!  Sigh....I must move past this!  I must!