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Fun Publications Response to Suspicious Credit Card Activity

FunPub-logo
Over the last week or so, a number of Transformers collectors have noticed unauthorized charges on their credit cards and have received phone calls from their various financial institutions alerting them to possible fraudulent charges on their accounts. A good number of collectors have been hit with these fraudulent charges, including members of TFW2005.COM's own staff.

Fun Publications, the parent company behind the annual BotCon and JoeCon conventions, have released a statement regarding these charges and the possible, if any, link between the credit card fraud and their online ordering system. We have copied their statement, but you can also download the .PDF file yourself by clicking here.

Quote:
We have been receiving feedback that there has been a higher than
usual number of fraud complaints posted on online Transformers
forums.

While we have nothing to suggest that there was an issue with the TCC
and Fun Publications, we look into every concern that is sent to us. All
of your transactions are in a secure socket with the strongest encryption
available to any site on the web. If you have a specific concern about
any transaction with us, please use the “contact us” link located at the
bottom of the TCC page and provide us with as much information as
possible including:

1. The EXACT name of merchant as it is written on your statement.
2. Amount and date of suspect charge.
3. Bank your card is drawn on and if it is a debit or credit card.
4. Device and browser (and version) you used for your last payment
with us before you saw a fraudulent charge (ie, android phone,
computer, iphone, browser and version).
6. Were you on a public computer?
7. Were you on a public wi‐fi network?
8. If you were at home or work, what Internet provider did you use?
9. On your last transaction with us, did you receive any kind of error
message (card declined, 404 error, programming type error)? If you did
receive an error, how many times did you resubmit your information?

It is very difficult to track credit card fraud. With your help, we can see
if there are any parallels between those reporting an issue.

In order to better protect yourself, here are some guidelines:

Never log into a secure site from a public computer, public wi‐fi, or
through android/windows phones. Only use your mobile device on a
mobile app for transactions, never a browser. Turn off your bluetooth
and wi‐fi to prevent people from hacking your credit card information
from your phone/computer.

If you have a card that has an rfid chip, make sure your card is shielded
when not in use.

Always make sure you are using a secure socket (https://) for any login
that requires a password or a monetary transaction.

Never email your credit card information to anyone.

As should be common practice, on a regular basis, be sure to check your
statements and make note of any suspicious activity on your card. If you
see an unauthorized charge, turn it in to your bank or card company, the
charge will be reversed, they will issue a new card for you and the
security system in place will have done its job.

Please also take the time to read the attached article and research credit
card security. We are very aware that security concerns have risen
exponentially in the last couple years and we are doing our part to stay
ahead of the curve.

"Can Hackers Destroy the Internet?" - Forbes.com
It is always important that you monitor your card's activity, regardless if you purchase online or not. A special thank you goes out to all the various collectors who have banded together to bring this issue to light, and in many instances, have helped collectors stop their card from being compromised. We at TFW2005.COM urge everyone, regardless of when or where they shopped recently, to monitor their cards for suspicious activity. You can join in the on-going discussion here.
Credit: FunPub
Views: 1,736
Reply To Article DISCUSSION: (Jump To This Thread On The Boards)
C.I.A.D.:
Our fellow collectors over on TFW2005 have come across a big issue with their bank and credit card companies. After transactions were made with the Collectors Club, fraudulent charges are now appearing on their statements/accounts.

If you've had a financial transaction with the club, you should check your statements just in case.

The original post over on TFW can be seen here:

Fandom Card Issues 2/2012 - Page 20 - TFW2005 - The 2005 Boards


FYI, Tankers, there doesn't seem to be any word that the G.I.Joe side of things was impacted. Our friends on the Transformers side of things aren't exactly as lucky.

You should look for any charges from:

-Impulse/ Gamestop Inc
-Scan New York
-Google
gunslingercbr:
but what about the price for the subscription service?
Xenos:
I guess that explains one of the delays with the FSS.
CrimsonGuard101:
Is there a date range and when did they become aware of it?
Raw Dog:
That's awful. I feel so bad for them. Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to check my statement next month.
ChicagoScott:
I made a G.I. Joe purchase on Monday and was hit with fraudulent charges on Tuesday. It showed up as a $1.00 charge from Google.
lowlight27:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xenos View Post
I guess that explains one of the delays with the FSS.
Beat me to it!
C.I.A.D.:
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrimsonGuard101 View Post
Is there a date range and when did they become aware of it?

Apparently within the last few days. Members on TFW are stating that their transactions ranged from 01/30 through this week.

It looks like the Club became aware of it on 02/03. Doesn't seem to be the Club who is at fault (not apologizing for them, just saying). Someone pointed out that it was the checkout software they were using.

Quote:
Originally Posted by e3nine @ TFW2005
I took a look at the TFCC cart.

After a quick inspection, their checkout system is a boxed solution from Authorize.net. It's an off-the-shelf product that's slapped into websites to ease cart / user management from small businesses. Small shops can't afford massive IT departments, so products like the Authroize.Net checkout solution exist. It's a lucrative business. That's why Amazon ("Check Out with Amazon") and Google ("Wallet" or "G Checkout") want a piece of the action.

From Pete's point-of-view, he did everything by-the-book.
- used the software to create products
- used the software to create user cart sessions
- used the software to create user profiles
- paying for every authorized transaction

and now he's being blamed for all of this.

This looks like a failure on the Authorize.Net side of things. Either a problem with the boxed solution software or a problem with their datacenter.

This was later posted by Pete from the Club:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete@Botcon
We posted statements through various Social networks but I wanted to make sure, due to all the comments, that a statement was posted here as well...

Just to let everyone know, we upgraded our online security systems as we understand that credit card theft is a growing problem in the U.S. Online security is a serious business and Fun Publications takes it seriously. We have implemented an ongoing review process of these security systems so that as internet thieves become more sophisticated, so will our defense systems. If you have any concerns, please let us know. When you order from anyone on any kind of device, make sure that https starts the url. This means it is under a secure socket layer and is encrypted during transmission. Additionally all information in our database is encrypted under a 256K algorithm.

We have been following the talk regarding the fraud problems but we haven't confirmed how many, if any, were on our end. This upgrade was a precautionary measure. Fraud can come from many sources and it is difficult to determine with 100% certainty what happened in those cases. We are dedicated to solving any problems and will do whatever is necessary to make shopping with the Club a secure experience.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us 1-800-772-6673
coreystinson:
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChicagoScott View Post
I made a G.I. Joe purchase on Monday and was hit with fraudulent charges on Tuesday. It showed up as a $1.00 charge from Google.
What you are seeing there is likely a temporary authorization. Nevertheless, the fact that it is there and assuming you did not buy anything from Google, it was a fraudulent attempt to make a purchase.
Jeffrozup:
I had this problem at the beginning of the summer. I was getting minor temporary charges (like $1.87 or $1.98) on my paypal credit card (I use that for all online purchases) and they called me to ask about fraudulent activity. They canceled my card and re-issued me a new one.

The funny part is they didn't know where the charges were coming from and they never stuck. They were like preauthorization charges but I do remember they all had "new york" in the explanation on my account like that Scan New York mentioned in the first post. Paypal told me they were fraudulent charges and were only temporary because they tried to make a purchase.

I am trying to remember the correct month but it was around June or July Paypal contacted me. The last purchase I made from the club was to renew my membership to get the Dial-Tone figure.
ero:
Thanks for the heads up, CIAD.
samantha:
Thanks for the notice. I went ahead and did an account check, so far nothing but I will be keeping a close eye on all my accounts now.
Troynos:
Yeah, keep any eye out for any of those 1.00 type charges


My card got hit couple months ago and had 2 or 3 $1.00 ones from google. What followed was an attempt to buy $1000 worth of tickets. Thankfully the bank stopped that one.
pig iron grenadier:
Yep, thank you very much for letting us know. Much appreciated.
CrimsonGuard101:
Thats it, going to my bank and closing my account...I am going to back to cash...screw the internet...
spiderpumpkin:
Now, the FSS is doomed for sure.
Lody:
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrimsonGuard101 View Post
Thats it, going to my bank and closing my account...I am going to back to cash...screw the internet...
And you wonder why you piss so many people by making stupid statements like this.
Troynos:
Quote:
Originally Posted by spiderpumpkin View Post
Now, the FSS is doomed for sure.
Why?


This may not even be connected in any way to the stuff they're trying to set up for the FSS.


Places get hit all the time for credit card numbers. The Clubs just got unlucky this time. Not their fault.

And shouldn't have any major bearing on the FSS besides just upgrading the security, which it sounds like has already been done.
pig iron grenadier:
I was wondering if this could also be related to the way the purchases were made. Mobile device as opposed to PC ? I'd be curious about that as well.
CrimsonGuard101:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lody View Post
And you wonder why you piss so many people by making stupid statements like this.
No I don't wonder..and I don't really care lol...but thanks for playing!
Quote:
Originally Posted by pig iron grenadier View Post
I was wondering if this could also be related to the way the purchases were made. Mobile device as opposed to PC ? I'd be curious about that as well.
this is a good point, wireless skimmers maybe?
Blaster'spunchingbagg:
Nope I had a fraudulent charge just yesterday from overseas almost right after I ordered the G.I. Joe club subscription.
turner:
Monday I had the same problem, didn't know where they got my number from, but this is very interesting...
CrimsonGuard101:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blaster'spunchingbagg View Post
Nope I had a fraudulent charge just yesterday from overseas almost right after I ordered the G.I. Joe club subscription.
Arggh this just has to happen right when I was going to consider renewing so I can be sure to get in on the FSS and Footloose...
Steel Brigade:
This is going to be a problem. =-(
Blaster'spunchingbagg:
Yes it was for a biggy too, it was a 192 dollar charge, which is still in the pending process but my bank Chase said it would likely go thru and they'll refund me in two business days, though since it's from overseas it may not go thru. Who knows I'm mildly pissed but I cancelled my card which is linked to ..... wait for it.... the Matty collector website, for the MOTUC sub, not sure if any of you ladies and gents know but changing card info is very hard with them, just when they're going to charge me on Friday too, unbelievable.
gunslingercbr:
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrimsonGuard101 View Post
Thats it, going to my bank and closing my account...I am going to back to cash...screw the internet...
when does your episode of Doomsday Preppers air?
CrimsonGuard101:
Quote:
Originally Posted by gunslingercbr View Post
when does your episode of Doomsday Preppers air?
Right after the Mayan and Zombieapocolypse...
Blaster'spunchingbagg:
I think I'll be addicted to a new show once that airs.
snotwiper:
i ordered the tfcc membership and exclusive on 02/02 and haven't seen anything wrong yet... just gonna have to keep an eye out now.... damn.
turner:
Are these the "bugs" the club's been having with their system? Something was said about some other problem that took the tech guys away from the fss issues...
CrimsonGuard101:
Quote:
Originally Posted by turner View Post
Are these the "bugs" the club's been having with their system? Something was said about some other problem that took the tech guys away from the fss issues...
Given what this kind of thing did to the Sony Networks...heh thats an understatement....
nero9000:
Ah-haha, so now instead of $200+ for the figure subscription, we can now look forward to the price being "whatever your max credit is".
Fast_Draw:
Quote:
Originally Posted by pig iron grenadier View Post
I was wondering if this could also be related to the way the purchases were made. Mobile device as opposed to PC ? I'd be curious about that as well.
Yeah. I wonder about that along with browser and virus/firewall, etc setup.

I was unable to get through when the figures first went up on Monday. I must have tried over 20 times. I ordered and got through when they went up on Wednesday. I had ordered a membership on the Saturday before. I renewed my GI Joe membership a month or two before that. I haven't had anything on my CC account. If I do, I'll call and cancel.

I check my accounts every day as a precaution anyway and it's a good habit for everyone to get into whether you buy online or not. The sooner you notice something, the sooner it can get fixed.
Snow Wolf:
Cripes! I haven't made any online purchases with GIJCC since I bought my membership in early Dec 2011. I'll take a look at my account anyways, just to be safe.

I friggin' HATE thieves!! Always selfishly wanting something for nothing..internet theft/fraud is even worse in my books because it is so deceptive, and chicken-sh*t. Here's wishing a terminal illness or at least a nasty stomach flu bug on these pikers.
Arbrias:
I attempted to purchase the two Transformers club exclusives when they first went up and finally succeeded on Wednesday. I tried with both of my Credit cards, and sure enough, one of them has had fraudulent charges adding up to almost $600.

Luckily I noticed when the charges were still in pending status (I've been watching both cards since I heard this was happening) so the charges were all refunded off the account and the card cancelled. If you were one of the people that purchased or tried to purchase Drift/Overrun though, I would highly recommend checking your cards daily.
Colt Blue:
I hope they can get this issue resolved quickly, sucks that its holding everything up now.
MightyMegs:
This is why the club needs to start taking Paypal.
Troynos:
Quote:
Originally Posted by turner View Post
Are these the "bugs" the club's been having with their system? Something was said about some other problem that took the tech guys away from the fss issues...
No.

The bugs with the FSS set-up would have nothing to do with getting hit with a credit card hack.
Tankster:
wow.......one reason i dont use a credit card online i use my paypal and thats it
VideoViper:
Sorry to hear some of you had problems.

This is going to hurt the Joe Club FSS.
hahoo3:
I hate hackers (that steal money from others)! :( Cost me $100 to fix my computer! Get a real job and quit taking peoples hard earned money!
Xenos:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Troynos View Post
No.

The bugs with the FSS set-up would have nothing to do with getting hit with a credit card hack.
Last week on Facebook the club said that problems with their regular store took their IT guy's time away from setting up the FSS, so I think that's what he is referring to.

I'm sure this is the problem that they were having.
Troynos:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xenos View Post
Last week on Facebook the club said that problems with their regular store took their IT guy's time away from setting up the FSS, so I think that's what he is referring to.

I'm sure this is the problem that they were having.
If that's what he meant, then yeah.
Shogi:
Just got a call about a fradulent charge on my Target visa for $1.00 from (I think she said) "Scan New York"

Scary part? Last time I bought anything from the club with that card was when I bought the SDCC Slaughters (When I use the card online, I typically use it through Paypal. So I don't think it got hacked from anywhere else)
Xenos:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shogi View Post
Just got a call about a fradulent charge on my Target visa for $1.00 from (I think she said) "Scan New York"

Scary part? Last time I bought anything from the club with that card was when I bought the SDCC Slaughters (When I use the card online, I typically use it through Paypal. So I don't think it got hacked from anywhere else)
Do you ever buy gas at the pump with that card? That's the most common place to get your number stolen.
ChicagoScott:
Message from the club:
Thank you for contacting us regarding this. We do take these issues very seriously and we check into this for you on our end. If you could answer a few questions for us below this way it will help us with our research. Thank you and I do apologize for the issue your having.

Thank you for contacting us about your credit card concern.


In order for us to help you, we need more information, could you please supply answers to the following questions?


1. Please send the EXACT name of merchant as it is written on your statement.
2. Amount and date of suspect charge.
3. Bank your card is drawn on and if it is a debit or credit card.
4. Device and browser (and version) you used for your last payment with us before you saw a fraudulent charge (ie, android phone, computer, iphone, browser and version).
6. Were you on a public computer?
7. Were you on a public wi-fi network?
8. If you were at home or work, what internet provider did you use?
9. On your last transaction with us, did you receive any kind of error message (card declined, 404 error, programming type error). If you did receive an error, how many times did you resubmit your information?


It is very difficult to track credit card fraud. With your help, we can see if there are any parallels between those reporting an issue.


In order to better protect yourself please here are some guidelines:


Never log into a secure site from a public computer, public wi-fi, or through android/windows phones. Only use your mobile device on a mobile app for transactions, never a browser. Turn off your bluetooth and wi-fi to prevent people from hacking your credit card information from your phone/computer.


If you have a card that has an rfid chip, make sure your card is shielded when not in use.


Always make sure you are using a secure socket (https://) for any login that requires a password or a monetary transaction.


Never email your credit card information to anyone.
ChicagoScott:
The bad part is I gave them my information over the phone and they entered it into their computer for the order.
CG76:
I checked my credit card account and saw a $1 charge last January 15 by Google *PSS Inc, which I had originally thought was related to some games I've been buying for my Sony Tablet. So I disputed the charge with Chase. Hopefully, that will be the end of it.
CrimsonGuard101:
Quote:
Originally Posted by CG76 View Post
I checked my credit card account and saw a $1 charge last January 15 by Google *PSS Inc, which I had originally thought was related to some games I've been buying for my Sony Tablet. So I disputed the charge with Chase. Hopefully, that will be the end of it.
Did you use google wallet for that purchase?
CG76:
I think so. But I checked my receipt and didn't see any additional $1 fee.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CrimsonGuard101 View Post
Did you use google wallet for that purchase?
 

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