BajaNomad - Credit Card Fraud in Jamul

Credit Card Fraud in Jamul

monoloco - 12-28-2009 at 08:05 PM

On our way to cross the border at Tecate we stopped for fuel at the Arco station in Jamul. My wife went in and paid with a credit card while I pumped the fuel, she thought it was kind of funny that the owner, a Greek woman disappeared in the back for 10 minutes with her credit card. Well today we just found out that our card has been cloned and was used for several purchases in stores in Hemet. We use this card very little and that Arco was the last place we used it on our trip. I would be very wary of using a credit card at this station.

Mexicorn - 12-28-2009 at 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
On our way to cross the border at Tecate we stopped for fuel at the Arco station in Jamul. My wife went in and paid with a credit card while I pumped the fuel, she thought it was kind of funny that the owner, a Greek woman disappeared in the back for 10 minutes with her credit card. Well today we just found out that our card has been cloned and was used for several purchases in stores in Hemet. We use this card very little and that Arco was the last place we used it on our trip. I would be very wary of using a credit card at this station.

You really have to watch those Greeks wearing tennis shoes....

Udo - 12-28-2009 at 08:52 PM

It has been well documented that ARCO's have been the largest targets for credit card and debit card fraud for about two years now :no:

.
None in my family use any type of card at an ARCO. Pay in cash, or don't buy it. :fire:

[Edited on 12-29-2009 by udowinkler]

monoloco - 12-29-2009 at 06:55 AM

There were a couple of red flags at this particular station. The first one was that the card reader on the pumps were not working then the lady disappearing in the back with the card. My wife had a conversation with the clerk and she told her that she was the owner. Luckily we call our bank when leaving the country letting them know where the card will be used so they called us right away when the card was used in California. We informed them of the Arco station and hopefully their fraud investigator will be able to nail these crooks.

lizard lips - 12-29-2009 at 07:02 AM

NEVER let a store employee leave with YOUR card. This is your card and should never leave your sight. If and when this happens contact the police immediately. When I use my card at a restaurant I follow the card to the machine and watch. I have had this happen to me before and it will never happen again.

DO NOT TRUST ANYONE WITH YOUR CARD.

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 07:12 AM

I'm surprised to hear this about that person. She's been there for a long time and has a good reputation to my knowledge. [Not Greek...Iranian Christian....forget the name]
Hope it all gets straightened out.

woody with a view - 12-29-2009 at 07:14 AM

she probably got a new drug habit......

monoloco - 12-29-2009 at 07:15 AM

She told my wife she was Greek.

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
She told my wife she was Greek.

Then, I guess she's turned into a big fat liar. I used to live right next door to that station and got to know all of them pretty well.
They are called Chaldeans.

http://www.crystalinks.com/chaldea.html

monoloco - 12-29-2009 at 07:37 AM

She must have because my wife had a long conversation with her while I filled up with diesel and propane and when we were on the road again I asked her if those people were Russian and she said no the lady told me she was Greek.

[Edited on 12-29-2009 by monoloco]

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
the lady told me she was Greek.

I suppose that's easier than saying "Chaldean" and more accepted than "Iranian" since they're on the chitlist these days.

David K - 12-29-2009 at 09:08 AM

Some Iranians here used to say they were 'Persian'... I guess too many folks found out or already knew Persia was the old name for Iran?

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Some Iranians here used to say they were 'Persian'... I guess too many folks found out or already knew Persia was the old name for Iran?

I think what sets the Chaldeans apart is that they're Christian.
I remember the Persians in Newport. There were hundreds of them probably because they could get into Orange Coast College. It wasn't a money thing...they all appeard to have plenty of that. Their families were connected to the Shah.

The Gull - 12-29-2009 at 09:54 AM

This is clearly just another example of the rampart crime spree that is affecting Baja. Teo must be involved with his Hemet branch of acid dippers.

Ooops. wait a minute...Jamul, Jamul...I think it might be...wait for me to recall...OK. now I got it! - Jamul is in Baja - right?

Whoa, they lady wasn't Greek or Chilean or Swiss - she was from Sinaloa? - Right - No, I got that wrong - Rosarita Beach which is right next to Ensenado? Right?

DianaT - 12-29-2009 at 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Some Iranians here used to say they were 'Persian'... I guess too many folks found out or already knew Persia was the old name for Iran?

Most people found out about Persia in the 7th grade, if they were paying attention.

In Iran as well as the other middle eastern countries, there are different ethnic groups. Not all Iranians are Persian.

The Chaldeans of Iran, Iraq and elsewhere trace their heritage and ethnic background back to the ancient kingdom of Chaldea. They are Christians and have a special and different relationship with the Vatican that goes way back in time.

But, it really does not matter to what ethnic group she belongs, if she stole the credit card information, she is a criminal. Ethnicity has nothing to do with it.

Thanks for the warning about that station.

OK, Jamul is not Baja, but it is a place some stop on their way to Baja and I appreciate the warning.

[Edited on 12-29-2009 by DianaT]

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
OK, Jamul is not Baja, but it is a place some stop on their way to Baja and I appreciate the warning.

Their beer is really cold. Used to be anyway.

[Edited on 12-29-2009 by DENNIS]

vgabndo - 12-29-2009 at 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Some Iranians here used to say they were 'Persian'... I guess too many folks found out or already knew Persia was the old name for Iran?

Which is worse, to be an Iranian Persian or a Christian thief? It seems with "too many people found out", that you've let us in on your predictable prejudice. Thieves notwithstanding, what is wrong with the average Iranian that isn't comparably wrong with the average American?

arrowhead - 12-29-2009 at 12:13 PM

Chaldeans are Iraqi's, not Iranians. They are Arabs. I seriously doubt that the owner of the Arco did the credit card fraud. Those little stores cost about $500,000 to buy and it would be the height of stupidity to p*ss it away on a penny-anti credit card swindle that can easily be traced back to them. If it was from there, it was probably an employee.

Bajahowodd - 12-29-2009 at 12:20 PM

Not sure how this thread morphed into an ethnic rant. Someone apparently cloned a credit card, period.

As for never letting the card out of sight, what does one do when paying a bill at a sitdown restaurant?

David K - 12-29-2009 at 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vgabndo

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Some Iranians here used to say they were 'Persian'... I guess too many folks found out or already knew Persia was the old name for Iran?

Interesting you only quoted me and not the person I was replying too... Please try to not take quotes out of context. I don't 'try' to make you look bad, ever... do I Perry? My reply was based on personal experience when I shopped at a store back in the 1980's and the teller informed me he was 'Persian'... and I replyed Iran? to which he smiled and said yes... nothing 'racial'... all about nationality Perry (and Diane).

The post right before mine was from Dennis... who was responding to monoloco:

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
the lady told me she was Greek.

I suppose that's easier than saying "Chaldean" and more accepted than "Iranian" since they're on the chitlist these days.

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vgabndo
Thieves notwithstanding, what is wrong with the average Iranian that isn't comparably wrong with the average American?

From what I hear, we bathe more often. That counts for a lot.

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
Those little stores cost about $500,000 to buy and it would be the height of stupidity to p*ss it away on a penny-anti credit card swindle that can easily be traced back to them. If it was from there, it was probably an employee.

This store is a gold mine. Always busy.
From what I gathered, the employees were family.
I don't think she did it either.
Iraqi...Iranian....put 'em on Revolution Avenue and what are they called then?

monoloco - 12-29-2009 at 01:31 PM

The only place we used that credit card on the way to Baja was to buy fuel. Every other station I used at was a large operation and I swiped the card at the pump. This was not a matter of someone using the number on the card to purchase something online, the card was cloned. The reason I suspect the Arco in Jamul is because I wasn't able to use the card reader at the pump and the women took the card out of my wife's sight into the back of the store for several minutes. As far as I know you need the card to make a clone and this is the only location that the card has ever left our sight. The ethnicity of the station owners makes no difference and I have no direct proof that they did this, I just posted it here because this is one of the last places before the border and I thought maybe anyone stopping there might want be careful using a credit card.

[Edited on 12-29-2009 by monoloco]

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 01:37 PM

I'd have posted the same thing. It's pretty easy to be all-understanding when someone else got burned.
Good luck on getting it straightened out.

monoloco - 12-29-2009 at 01:42 PM

Thanks, Our bank Wells Fargo was right on the ball and they were only able to use it a couple of times. I highly recommend calling your bank and reviewing your travel plans so they can alert you to any potential fraud. It certainly worked in this case.

DianaT - 12-29-2009 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
Chaldeans are Iraqi's, not Iranians. They are Arabs. I seriously doubt that the owner of the Arco did the credit card fraud. Those little stores cost about $500,000 to buy and it would be the height of stupidity to p*ss it away on a penny-anti credit card swindle that can easily be traced back to them. If it was from there, it was probably an employee.

There are Chaldeans in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey and elsewhere, and they do not consider themselves Arabs----but that is off topic---and just as a side note, they are one of the groups affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church but their priests can marry.

Back to the original topic---it is really good information---cannot be too careful with the credit cards. I can do enough damage all by myself.

DianaT - 12-29-2009 at 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Chaldeans in san Diego are mostly of Iranian descent. Some of them are heavily involved in drug trafficking with Mexican cartels.

That is very interesting. A number of them have very successful businesses around here----wonder how the connection started???

Mexicorn - 12-29-2009 at 03:33 PM

aaaahhhh ummmmm...... very interesting.. Artie Shaw Laugh In 1968

surfer jim - 12-29-2009 at 03:35 PM

.....these are the Days of Our Lives......like sand through the hourglass....Oh wait....this is BAJA NOMADS not the soap opera forum.... :rolleyes:

arbee - 12-29-2009 at 03:44 PM

One other issue with that Arco station that keeps me away from there is that during the wildfires in 2007, they wouldn't even let some tired and dehydrated firefighters take some bottled water and Gatorades. These firefighters had been working for over 48 hours straight and they weren't carrying any money. They promised to come back and pay later, but that was refused. As they were leaving emptyhanded, the man behind them in line paid for their drinks, and walked out the door. There were a lot of p****d off people in Jamul, after the word spread, and many of the locals boycott that store still.

Bajahowodd - 12-29-2009 at 04:30 PM

I'm not certain that physical possesion of the card is necessary to clone it. I reported about a similar type incident in 2008, where I was certain my card was cloned after using it at a well-know restaurant in Ensenada. Yes, the card was taken out of my sight. However, the owner of the restaurant later told me that they normally use a card reader right at the table, but theirs was broken the night I was there. Thing is that I later discovered the receipt I was given printed out with my full credit card number and name. So, even if you are face to face with someone, if they have equipment that will print out all the necessary details to make a clone, it pays to carefully look at your receipt prior to leaving.

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arbee
One other issue with that Arco station that keeps me away from there is that during the wildfires in 2007, they wouldn't even let some tired and dehydrated firefighters take some bottled water and Gatorades. These firefighters had been working for over 48 hours straight and they weren't carrying any money. They promised to come back and pay later, but that was refused. As they were leaving emptyhanded, the man behind them in line paid for their drinks, and walked out the door. There were a lot of p****d off people in Jamul, after the word spread, and many of the locals boycott that store still.

This is enough for me to blackball the place.
Tell your friends to tell their friends to tell........

BajaNomad Blackball. They have earned it.

The only way this will be effective will be to bring it up here from time to time.
We need a Black Ball forum and this will be our first victim.
How dare they turn their back on tired firefighters.

tripledigitken - 12-29-2009 at 05:02 PM

Before we close this business down.................................

It's possible that it was an employee that said no to the firefighters not the owner. An employee doesn't have the right to give away or lend merchandise. Owners can't be present 24/7.

Just a thought.

Bajahowodd - 12-29-2009 at 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
Before we close this business down.................................

It's possible that it was an employee that said no to the firefighters not the owner. An employee doesn't have the right to give away or lend merchandise. Owners can't be present 24/7.

Just a thought.

Have to agree. And still wonder why there have been so many hostile posts. It's a gas staion, for crissakes. Are you on empty?

DENNIS - 12-29-2009 at 05:22 PM

Quote:

Not here. Like I mentioned before, It's a family run business [extended or otherwise ] and the person in charge would be imposing rules set by the Mama. It was just a mean, cheap, decision to not accomodate a haggard firefighter at that time.
The reason is this.....These folks, the Chaldeans or whoever they are, bought into the community...recently. They arn't part of it by birth or family. They are merchants. Merchants without ties that give them a feeling or obligation to community. They won't give their money, in this case, to anybody.
Too bad...............Don't shop there. That's all one can do to object to their selfishness.

CaboRon - 12-29-2009 at 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
.....these are the Days of Our Lives......like sand through the hourglass....Oh wait....this is BAJA NOMADS not the soap opera forum.... :rolleyes:

You think there is a difference :lol:

surfer jim - 12-29-2009 at 06:34 PM

many times....hard to tell.... :biggrin:

monoloco - 12-30-2009 at 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I'm not certain that physical possesion of the card is necessary to clone it. I reported about a similar type incident in 2008, where I was certain my card was cloned after using it at a well-know restaurant in Ensenada. Yes, the card was taken out of my sight. However, the owner of the restaurant later told me that they normally use a card reader right at the table, but theirs was broken the night I was there. Thing is that I later discovered the receipt I was given printed out with my full credit card number and name. So, even if you are face to face with someone, if they have equipment that will print out all the necessary details to make a clone, it pays to carefully look at your receipt prior to leaving.

From what I understand you need more than the numbers from a credit card to clone it. You need to run the card through some sort of device that can copy the magnetic strip. I always look at the receipt because I have found some business print the card # on their copy of the receipt. When this has happened I black out the numbers and give the manager a little lecture about the irresponsibility of this practice.

mulegejim - 12-30-2009 at 08:54 AM

One question - was the card in question a credit card or a debit card? There are major differences in the way they work as far as owner liability goes.

The Gull - 12-30-2009 at 10:01 AM

It makes no difference in Ensenado.

monoloco - 12-30-2009 at 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim
One question - was the card in question a credit card or a debit card? There are major differences in the way they work as far as owner liability goes.

Credit card and the bank is not holding us liable.

mulegejim - 12-30-2009 at 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim
One question - was the card in question a credit card or a debit card? There are major differences in the way they work as far as owner liability goes.

Credit card and the bank is not holding us liable.

Good, that's an advantage with credit cards as compared to debit cards.

mtgoat666 - 12-30-2009 at 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

grow up, dennis. you are spreading anonymously posted hearsay and recommending action on basis of hearsay.

anywho, who could trust the word of a bunch of east county rednecks?

mtgoat666 - 12-30-2009 at 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

dennis, your post is thinly veiled racist nonsense. grow some balls and learn how to judge a person on their merits and not on their birth or family.

mtgoat666 - 12-30-2009 at 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim
One question - was the card in question a credit card or a debit card? There are major differences in the way they work as far as owner liability goes.

Credit card and the bank is not holding us liable.

story sounds like nonsense -- most arcos i have seen in so cal don't take credit cards at gas islands, only take cash or debit.

monoloco - 12-30-2009 at 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim
One question - was the card in question a credit card or a debit card? There are major differences in the way they work as far as owner liability goes.

Credit card and the bank is not holding us liable.

story sounds like nonsense -- most arcos i have seen in so cal don't take credit cards at gas islands, only take cash or debit.

Whoa Goat, Are you saying that I'm lying about using a credit card at that station?

mtgoat666 - 12-30-2009 at 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim
One question - was the card in question a credit card or a debit card? There are major differences in the way they work as far as owner liability goes.

Credit card and the bank is not holding us liable.

story sounds like nonsense -- most arcos i have seen in so cal don't take credit cards at gas islands, only take cash or debit.

Whoa Goat, Are you saying that I'm lying about using a credit card at that station?

no, just said what i said :lol:

Bajahowodd - 12-30-2009 at 12:43 PM

Goat actually brings up a point. At least, as he said about credit card acceptance at the island. I rarely go to ARCO because I try to put my gas on credit. The gas islands I've seen will take only cash or debit. It has been a marketing point for ARCO over the years, that their posted price is for cash transactions. There is an automatic transaction charge for the use of a debit card. In the days before competition resulted in virtually all gas stations accepting Visa, Mastercard, Etc., each company had their own branded credit card. ARCO never did.

monoloco - 12-30-2009 at 12:56 PM

Well all I know is that the person working in the store who told my wife she was the owner disappeared into the back of that store with our credit card for several minutes, the card was cloned, and that is the only time it has been out of our sight. Do you think I am wrong to be suspicious?

mtgoat666 - 12-30-2009 at 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
There were a couple of red flags at this particular station. The first one was that the card reader on the pumps were not working...

perhaps the card readers were working, just not designed to accept CC. next time use debit :lol:

peace, love and pork tacos!!

happy new year!!!!

yes we can!!!!

lux sit!!!!

DENNIS - 12-30-2009 at 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
dennis, your post is thinly veiled racist nonsense.

Believe me...if my intention is to be and sound like a racist, you won't be looking through any veils.
I base my assumptions on the weakest of evidence. I can do that since I don't live in a court of law. I judge books by their covers and jump to conclusions. if I, or anybody, sat around waiting for the Commie ACLU to give their stamp of approval on everything, we would be at a standstill.
Right, wrong or indifferent, I'll make my decisions as I see fit at the moment....most hopefully without your approval. If you think I'm wrong, I must be right.

The Gull - 12-30-2009 at 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
perhaps the card readers were working, just not designed to accept CC. next time use debit

GoatMounter is right...never give your credit card to a Tarot Card reader.

Always give your debit card as it accesses your bank account directly and you have no recourse through your credit card identity theft protection. Great thinking, that goat.

fishingmako - 1-2-2010 at 04:18 PM

You know Goat you always have the most negative thoughts of anyone, what is wrong with you?

fishingmako - 1-2-2010 at 04:22 PM

mono next time get you Diesel in Mexico shame on you, do you really like payiny that much more???

And I really don't want to hear my Diesel is a new or newer one, this discussion has been on here many times, and it makes no DIFFERENT!!!!! I know your Mechanic said, HorseS---T

monoloco - 1-2-2010 at 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingmako
mono next time get you Diesel in Mexico shame on you, do you really like payiny that much more???

And I really don't want to hear my Diesel is a new or newer one, this discussion has been on here many times, and it makes no DIFFERENT!!!!! I know your Mechanic said, HorseS---T

Yeah I usually get it in Mexico but didn't have any pesos and it was getting a little late to go to the bank.

DianaT - 1-2-2010 at 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Yes, it is third hand hearsay but the whole ff thing is true. I work with the crews that happened to. Discredit all you like, it matters not to me or, I would imagine, many others.
Get over yourself.
My apologies for the drift off-topic here, but this guy is a real penis.

Enough said---I will not stop there again---that stinks. It reminds me of the motels in El Centro who jacked up their prices for the fire victims. CREEPS.

:fire:

HorseS---T

Bajahowodd - 1-2-2010 at 05:17 PM

So that's the secret ingredient in Mexican diesel. :lol:

fishingmako - 1-2-2010 at 05:19 PM

YEA I hear that, your right that has happened a few times to me, but I really do try now and have them, of course when you think about it, would have been ok to take a hit on your American Dollars, for a different of $.75 plus per Gallon, I have to watch out since I put an extra tank in from 27 to 48, I need the savings.
Later

Just filled there today...

Pompano - 1-2-2010 at 08:10 PM

This is my experience today at Jamul's Arco gas station.

I used my ATM credit card to fill the motorhome tank. Was close to empty and took $126 to top off.

No problems with the nicely accented lady behind the counter. Never had any card problems here whatsoever.
Actually, today she was quite helpful in finding me some caramel rolls..not at her station, but in a market nearby.

I have been using this Arco fuel station since it was built. And am quite surprised to hear this story of credit card theft. A sad event for sure and you have my deepest sympathies. I have been a victim of card theft in the past and know the feeling...plus I have never been to Bloomingdale's in New Jersey!

Dennis, so sorry I missed you filling at Jamul Arco all those times in the past, we were so close to meeting.

Anyhoo..that's my experience at Jamul Arco. Throw it into the mix.

toneart - 1-2-2010 at 09:11 PM

Whereas the debit card reader at the pumps were out of order, I think the cashier inside can accept credit cards. Who knows what happened there? I don't see why Monoloco would make up a story. Why invalidate his story? I take him at his word.

Maybe there is some other way this could have happened other than the woman with the accent stealing the information...or maybe she did. We will never know. If something like that happened to me I would post it here as a service to others.

DENNIS - 1-2-2010 at 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano
Dennis, so sorry I missed you filling at Jamul Arco all those times in the past, we were so close to meeting.

It's just a matter of time, Roger. Thanks for the thought.