I Funded My NetSpend Visa and Was Ripped Off..

[bernynhel]

...by the Time I Got Home and Online!

The most recent history showed my funding the card for $195.50 and within an hour or so there's an "IVR Balance Inquiry Fee" of .50 then a $4.95 debit labeled "P2P fee" and a final debit labeled "P2P" with a "user" specified by a 10 didget number (phone number) of $180.00!!! I didn't know that NetSpend was offering user to user transfers via phone! I also didn't know (and was never told) that a carbon copy of the form I filled out with the Visa number filled in was stapled to the back of So someone got my card number, invested $13.70 - $3.95 in a NetSpend account and $10.75, tax included, in a cell phone phone (number already no good) and cleared $166.30!

Their offices had been closed for a half an hour by then but here's what I think happened:

For the first time in 5 years I used Western Union to fund my NetSpend Visa at Rite Aid last week and have loaded my Visa there several times since then(Issued by Meta Bank the same as Western Union's branded Visa). Rite-Aid is closer to me than CVS (MoneyGram), the same fee ($4.50 up to $5k, I think) and easier than MoneyGram (MoneyGram you gotta go through the automated voice prompt dealio on the red kiosk phone - never 1 problem in years!) With WU grab a gray, "Pre-Paid Services Form", fill in your card number, the amount your funding and sign. Hand the form and the money to a checker and voil! It was also the first time I had to write down my Visa card number in the loading process thereby exposing it to every Rite-Aid employee and, hence, probably their extended families, too! And now this!! I wonder what kind a damage control NetSpend is gonna jerk me around with tomorrow (er, today I mean - in 2 hours and fifty-five minutes!) when I call.....? We'll see!

 

[just play]

Why don't you go to the manager of the store? They can see who was working that night by timesheets and narrow it down to just a few employees I'm assuming. Not many employees ever work at the same time at RiteAid.

I think you will have more of a case with RiteAid than netspend. You said the number wasn't good, maybe the manager knows this number and can find out who it was.

 

[rockycatt]

P S if you funded it with a credit card call the credit card pronto

also the p2p transaction has a trail

 

[rockycatt]

Why don't you go to the manager of the store? They can see who was working that night by timesheets and narrow it down to just a few employees I'm assuming. Not many employees ever work at the same time at RiteAid.

I think you will have more of a case with RiteAid than netspend. You said the number wasn't good, maybe the manager knows this number and can find out who it was.

EXACTLY the employee did it

 

[nisosbar]

This has always been one of my fears using that card. You read about people hacking into poker accounts and such. I don't see any reason the same couldn't be done with this card. Nonetheless, I love their card, so hassle-free.

 

[love2winalot]

Hiya: Also, every place that handles money, also has security camera's. So it is pretty easy to see what actually happened to the, "Form" behind the window. Earlier this year in Vegas, an manager at a ,"smoke shop", had been scanning customers visa card into a recorder, and had made tens of thousands before getting caught. The instore Camera is what did him in, amoung other things.

Also, you need to make a police report. Not for them to actually go arrest someone, but you would need the report, in case it came down to you having to sue Rite Aid. It is one thing to to ask for your money back, and quite another to ask for it back, and to be waving the police report in their face. Also, if needed, you can mention that all the news stations that, "ch 5 investigates, ch 8 on your side, ch 3 watching out for you, and so on, LOVE STORIES LIKE THIS........

Hopefully you don't need to do any of this, but if your gonna wave a Gun around, it sure helps if it has some bullets in it...

 

[Stovetopp]

This has always been one of my fears using that card. You read about people hacking into poker accounts and such. I don't see any reason the same couldn't be done with this card. Nonetheless, I love their card, so hassle-free.

I also enjoy using this card as its hassle free...I just go to my supermarket and they swipe the card and enter amount and I am all done no forms no nothing Within 5 minutes I transfer the amount to QT .. DONE!! and within an hour its given to 3 casinos :-((( sheeeeeeeet!!!!


Off topic a bit I did not know about all these options NETSPEND had such as depositig with a credit card and what's this p2p all about? I visit their website and the only thing they offer is direct deposit Can someone fill me in , please? Thanks

 

[rockycatt]

...by the Time I Got Home and Online!

The most recent history showed my funding the card for $195.50 and within an hour or so there's an "IVR Balance Inquiry Fee" of .50 then a $4.95 debit labeled "P2P fee" and a final debit labeled "P2P" with a "user" specified by a 10 digit number (phone number) of $180.00!!! I didn't know that NetSpend was offering user to user transfers via phone! I also didn't know (and was never told) that a carbon copy of the form I filled out with the Visa number filled in was stapled to the back of So someone got my card number, invested $13.70 - $3.95 in a NetSpend account and $10.75, tax included, in a cell phone phone (number already no good) and cleared $166.30!

Their offices had been closed for a half an hour by then but here's what I think happened:

For the first time in 5 years I used Western Union to fund my NetSpend Visa at Rite Aid last week and have loaded my Visa there several times since then(Issued by Meta Bank the same as Western Union's branded Visa). Rite-Aid is closer to me than CVS (MoneyGram), the same fee ($4.50 up to $5k, I think) and easier than MoneyGram (MoneyGram you gotta go through the automated voice prompt dealio on the red kiosk phone - never 1 problem in years!) With WU grab a gray, "Pre-Paid Services Form", fill in your card number, the amount your funding and sign. Hand the form and the money to a checker and voil! It was also the first time I had to write down my Visa card number in the loading process thereby exposing it to every Rite-Aid employee and, hence, probably their extended families, too! And now this!! I wonder what kind a damage control NetSpend is gonna jerk me around with tomorrow (er, today I mean - in 2 hours and fifty-five minutes!) when I call.....? We'll see!

isn't this card/account password protected ? if so it may be a electronic error just a thought

 

[vegetagirl2008]

On the Netspend Website it states you can file a dispute. Go to the police first in your jurisdiction file the report and fax it to Netspend . Attached is the form for unauthorized transactions.
Someone stole that money via Toll-free number and it might have been an inside job. I would get to the bottom of it and quickly you might have to change your card number and find another way to load your money.

Old / Expired Link

 

[bernynhel]

Thank you all for your help and advise!

They can see who was working that night by timesheets and narrow it down to just a few employees I'm assuming.

I used that method in that store half a dozen times at least since Nov 1. 5 diff employees minimum handled the deal. Besides, anyone with access could have got the info. Employees, employee's friends, 3rd cousins twice removed...But thanks, just play!

This has always been one of my fears using that card. You read about people hacking into poker accounts and such. I don't see any reason the same couldn't be done with this card. Nonetheless, I love their card, so hassle-free.

Only fund your NetSpend via card swipe or similar, secure methods! That's the moral of this thread.

That NetSpend started making $4.95 per transactioin for P2Ps (transfers between NetSpend Account Holders, I know NOW, thanks a LOT NetSpend!) and that it can be done over the telephone coupled with the exposure to one's account number from the use of having to write it on forms and handing it over to God-Knows-Who (how much ya wanna bet none are even bonded!) all makes for a pretty damn tough case for NetSpend's liability in this. Thanks!

Hiya: Also, every place that handles money, also has security camera's. So it is pretty easy to see what actually happened to the, "Form" behind the window...Also, you need to make a police report...you can mention that all the news stations that, "ch 5 investigates, ch 8 on your side, ch 3 watching out for you, and so on, LOVE STORIES LIKE THIS...

No "windows". Each time the checker would call whoever depending on who's working at the time (manager, shift bosses) and they'd meet me at the counter where they handle photo processing transactions, replace watch batteries and keep the counter-top thingy that holds the various WU forms.

Police Reports and Broadcast News Organization's consumer watchdog's desks are brilliant! Thanks!

I also enjoy using this card as its hassle free...I just go to my supermarket and they swipe the card and enter amount and I am all done no forms no nothing Within 5 minutes I transfer the amount to QT .. DONE!! and within an hour its given to 3 casinos :-((( sheeeeeeeet!!!!

Read up, this post. I never heard of "P2P" 'til my card wouldn't work for QT and I saw the notations for debits the crook made to rob me. And I've been using NetSpend ever since Bryan was just a Keno Runner.

Just keep swiping to load and you'll be cool.

isn't this card/account password protected ? if so it may be a electronic error just a thought

My NetSpend statment displayed the balance inquiry made by the crook so he/she'd know how much to transfer (-$0.50), the P2P Fee (-$4.95) and the crook's NetSpend ID on the transfer notation (-$180.00)!

...Go to the police first in your jurisdiction file the report and fax it to Netspend . Attached is the form for unauthorized transactions... I would get to the bottom of it and quickly you might have to change your card number and find another way to load your money.

Old / Expired Link

Thanks veggirl! Of course I was on the phone to NetSpend at 6:01 PST, yesterday (Their offices open at 8Am in the mid-west) where Lorna of NetSpend (country of origin unknown but cute accent) gave me a Ref#, a claim# and when I balked at the mention of a fax (my automatic, knee-jerk response ever since my first scanner - fax's, IMO, are useless and obsolete - I can usually get an email address when I mention this to anyone, nowadays) along with the emaill address, disputeresolution@netspend.com to email my claim.

I emailed a rundown of the heist including attachments of my scanned, hand - scrawled note with my handwritten signature (required by NetSpend) stating the email was the facts, ma'am, nothing but the facts, plus examples of a WU receipt for a Netspend load showing the "exposed" prepaid services form stapled to the back.

Lorna said, "Well, I'll go check the other users account right now and any funds still in it I will transfer back into your account." Isn't Lorna just the cutest lil thing? I chuckled and said, "Lorna, my dear, if there's not less that $20 in that account, I'll eat a bug." Silence. Then she excused herself to put me on hold and go check. She came back in 25 seconds, "$16!", she actually sounded kinda happy for me, "and Ill transfer those funds immediately back into your account, sir." I think I love Lorna. "But, Lorna, my love, didn't we just block my account, permanently?" I said softly. And I said I'd eat a bug if you didn't find less than $20 left in my account because the thief couldn't extract a lessor amount via ATM."l Silence. "Oh my gosh, that's right!", exclaimed Lorna. Then, "Lorna? I think I love you."

The documentation:

The email:

Dear disputeresolution@netspend.com:

This email is to notify you that all transaction on my Netspend account # XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (now defunct) occurring after my funding my account with the load of $195.50 via MoneyGram at ALBERTSONS, WASHINGTON STREET, Palm Desert, CA 92211, specifically, the Debit: Balance Inquiry - IVR (-$0.50), Debit: P2P Fee (-$4.95) and Debit: $180.00 to user 2105718348 - (-$180.00) were made by a person or persons unknown to me and without my knowledge or authorization.
?
The only recent changes in the funding of my NetSpend Visa in over a year are that beginning about the 1st of November I began loading my card via Western Union at Rite Aid Store #5682, 74958 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Before that time no one has ever seen my NetSpend Card Number as all transactions prior to November 1, 2009 have been via card swipes and online, fully automated purchasing.
?
Loading my NetSpend account via Western Union at the above mentioned Rite Aid involved the Western Union Prepaid Services (gray) form (see example, attached) and my account number was required to be hand written, by me, in the spaces provided. I did not even know, nor was I informed, that a copy of said Prepaid Services (gray) form, with my NetSpend account number, in my handwriting. was stapled to the back of my Western Union Prepaid Services Receipt. From that point on November 1, 2009, and going forward to date, my NetSpend Account information was obviously compromised.
?
Today I spoke with Lorna at 1-866-387-7163, who issued my reference and claim numbers. She informed me of NetSpend's requirements for claims and handwritten signatures (see attached). She also informed me that the "user" who stole my money still showed a balance of $16.00 from the original $180.00 in his/her account. $16.00 is not accessible via ATM.
?
I am sorry that the use of Western Union to load my NetSpend account is so severely flawed and vulnerable. Had I known I would have stuck with MoneyGram. That said, these facts are NetSpends business, not mine. It is the fault of NetSpend, solely, for the loss of my money in the amount of $185.45 due to negligence on NetSpend's part for implementing the above described loading method and, thereby, causing my funds to be stolen by persons, unknown to me.
?
Please settle my claim for the amount of $185.45, forthwith. I will establish a new Netspend account for ease of expedition of this settlement.
?
Sincerely,

(deleted by bernynhel)

The "hand-scrawled" note with signature and the WU forms leaving my fanny in the wind:

 

[WagerWitch]

ROFLMAO --- Not at the situation - but about your conversation with Lorna.

Bernyn--- You're one funny person.

Uhm about the situation tho - this kinda stinks and really does NOT bode well for RiteAid OR Western Union.

Not at all.

And it's a good reminder to only swipe the card.

NOW - here's my question - you mention something about being able to deposit more than 500.00

WHERE?

I've only uploaded at Safeway which only allows you to deposit 500.00 in 24 hours.

Good luck on everything - I've never had a problem with Netspend - to me they TOTALLY Rock - for many years now!

 

[bernynhel]

The hassle began when Albertson's quit selling NetSpend reload paks. No one else handles them in So Cal that I know of.

So yesterday I go out to buy a new prepaid Visa. Albertson's sold several where the card issurer is Meta Bank the same issurer of, you guessed it!

So I ask about the "Only 1" prepaid Visa and am told that that card can be loaded via card swipe. WTF?!! So I buy the stupid thing and 3Dice and Sloto Cash rejected in (error msg of some nature at 3Dice and "rejected by our card processor" at Sloto but then Sloto rejected my NetSpend lately, too!and only Grand Modial took it w/o a hitch. But registering the card at QT and funding there was no prob.

Another card option at Albertsons was a "chick-card" Visa (some The-Lifetime-Channel-correct-sounding-name with a photo of some hard-body-babe in a bikini frollicking at surf's edge on a beach plastered all over it) with an activation fee of $12.95 vs. the "Only 1"'s avtivation of only $9.95 (cuz, obviously, they getcha on the lifestyle appeal and they must think that chicks are suckers).

Both cards charge monthly fees of $4.95 plus reload fees of $4.95 (I guess) and I don't even know the per transaction fee, yet. And you get to phoe and talk to some one once a month before they slap another charge on you plus other stuff I don't even recall right now! So I see why Meta Bank (the greedy MFr!) is making it more difficult do business with the NetSpend brand.

 

[just play]

So what do you do now? I still think you should pursue Rite Aid, why let them have a theif working for them who WILL do it again? They have ways of checking into this, I know for sure.

You know what I do? You guys are going to die....there is a little corner store not too far from my house owned by Pakistinians, and only the owner and one woman who works there knows how to use their Netspend thing, not his wife nor father. He has to punch in the numbers manually on his machine. If the owner is not there, I leave my card with the money for him with a little note, and as soon as he comes in, he puts the money on my card.

 

[bernynhel]

ROFLMAO --- Not at the situation - but about your conversation with Lorna.

Bernyn--- You're one funny person.

What do you mean[/] I'm "funny?" You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little f****d up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to f****n' amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How the f**am I funny, what the f**is so funny about me?

 

[LonelyHearts]

What do you mean[/] I'm "funny?" You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little f****d up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to f****n' amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How the f**am I funny, what the f**is so funny about me?

Wow Bernynhel calm your A$$ down. Wagerwitch was only referring to the conversation you had with Lorna. Wagerwitch thought the conversation was HaHa funny.

 

[bernynhel]

ROFLMAO --- Not at the situation - but about your conversation with Lorna.

Bernyn--- You're one funny person.[/QUOTE]

...what the f**is so funny about me?

- Tommy DiVito, The Goodfellas

...this kinda stinks and really does NOT bode well for RiteAid OR Western Union...Not at all...

Ya think???

...you mention something about being able to deposit more than 500.00...WHERE?

For five years or more I always bought my NetSpend Visas at Ace Cash Express, a national check-cashing/payday loan chain and they OWN the NetSpend brand of Visa card. So when you find a location -

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

(my regular loc was Sepulveda at National in the center where Hamburger Habit is) you can load $5k and I think it was raised to $10k but don't quote me.

 

[vegetagirl2008]

No need for this thread to get heated Wagerwitch only thought the conversation between you and Lorna was funny, even you had a chuckle out of it. We know you had a bad day. I think she was trying to be a little comforting. I don't think she meant to say your situation was funny at all.

 

[bernynhel]

Wow Bernynhel calm your A$$ down. Wagerwitch was only referring to the conversation you had with Lorna. Wagerwitch thought the conversation was HaHa funny.

TWO with ONE STONE!!!!

(..and dont ever tell me to calm down, again!!!!)







LOL!

 

[bernynhel]

...Wagerwitch only thought the conversation between you and Lorna was funny...

We know you had a bad day....

SAY it ISN'T SOOO!!!!! 3??? Ima be greater than Jack the Giant Killer any minute now!!

I got you ALL! Got you GOOD, too. Well, veggirl and lonely hearts for sure. We'll see and wait for wagerwitch's next post. Don't none a you gwan n spoil it none, neither!

Actually, I'm having a pretty good day - I went to Agua Calliente Casino this morning and hit the RF for $1,000 on $1.25 bet on the Super Aces, double double jackpot quarter VP machines for the second time in two weks and only made about 5 bets or so after putting in a $100 bill. I was there a total of 7 minutes!! These are the 6 machines that were moved from The Spa Resort and Casino along with all the old Pot-O-Gold machines when they opened the AC. These are in a little circle (actually a little triangle with two machines side-by-side for each side) right at the start of the carpeting on the right as you enter from the west parking lot off of Ramon Rd.

I only held the Jh. The deal was 8c, Jh, Qd, Ks, 6d. Why did I hold the just the Jh? Cuz everyone knows that with unsuited faces you only ever hold the facecard furthest on the LEFT. Only exceptions are if there's an A on the right END of if a its bonus game where 4 As have a higher payout than other four -of-a-kinds.

Two weeks and change ago, I hit the RF on one of those same machines and only held the Ah! But that day I felt like hangin' around and cleared $2,700. But I do appreciate the concern and it was cute the way you gals defended wagerwitch!

 

[cheetahwind]

@bernynhel
Most reloadable prepaid cards that you buy off the shelves don't allow for international transactions right away. You almost 90% of the times have to wait for the actual physical card with your name on it to show up before you can use it for anything outside of the united states. As for my netspend knock on wood I haven't had any issues doing western union so far just I think it's because I do it a place where I know the people. We do have one netspend reload location in town but you only save 65 cents and it's a drive all the way accross town. Barely worth the drive IMHO.

 

[bernynhel]

@bernynhel
Most reloadable prepaid cards that you buy off the shelves don't allow for international transactions right away. You almost 90% of the times have to wait for the actual physical card with your name on it to show up before you can use it for anything outside of the united states. As for my netspend knock on wood I haven't had any issues doing western union so far just I think it's because I do it a place where I know the people. We do have one netspend reload location in town but you only save 65 cents and it's a drive all the way accross town. Barely worth the drive IMHO.

Maybe why it didn't work at 3dice and Sloto Cash?...but worked at QuickTender and Grandial Mondial - maybe they have US card processors?? I dunno but, thanks, cheetahwind!!

I used NetSpend Visas for YEARS. Was one a their biggest fans. But never had a problem til I funded with Western Union and had to fill in my card number on the form - if you know the people at your Western Union, fine but for $9.95 is was easier for me to change to a card that can be funded via swipe at many closeby locs. I got another NetSpend, too! But only so that they had a place to refund my money to without excuses!

 

[just play]

What do you mean[/] I'm "funny?" You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little f****d up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to f****n' amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How the f**am I funny, what the f**is so funny about me?

OMG SO FUNNY!!! I knew what you were talking about within the first few words...one of my all time fav movies!!!

And DO NOT let Rite Aid off the hook.

 

[winbig]

And DO NOT let Rite Aid off the hook.

Definitely....the idiot clerk probably bought the card there at the store...and I'm sure it's on tape.

 

[skiny]

Forgive my ignorance about Netspend but if this money was transferred to another netspend account with a phone number and withdrawn through a bankmachine sure there's a trail a mile long to find the person who did it.

Who owned the other Netspend account? Even if the phone number is no good the phone company must know who owned it before. Who's bank machine card withdrew the cash? Bank machines have video cameras.

You might not be able to acquire this informantion but surely someone can. This seems like a pretty stupid way to steal money. I'm sure you'll find the guy who stole this, Bern. Whoever the thief is should spend more time watching World's Dummest Criminals.

 

[winbig]

Forgive my ignorance about Netspend but if this money was transferred to another netspend account with a phone number and withdrawn through a bankmachine sure there's a trail a mile long to find the person who did it.

Who owned the other Netspend account? Even if the phone number is no good the phone company must know who owned it before. Who's bank machine card withdrew the cash? Bank machines have video cameras.

You might not be able to acquire this informantion but surely someone can. This seems like a pretty stupid way to steal money. I'm sure you'll find the guy who stole this, Bern. Whoever the thief is should spend more time watching World's Dummest Criminals.

To get the information about who owns that phone number, you'll have to file a police report.