Otherwise titled: Don't use the same password for everything, no matter how strong the password.
So it all started with the hacking of my eBay account. From there, they had the password to my Paypal, but also my email and Amazon. They added filters into my email so everything with the words "ebay", "paypal" or "amazon" went right to trash so I NEVER GOT A NOTICE OF ANY OF THIS! They then bid on a bunch of auctions, paid for a big auction with my Paypal and bought downloaded games and Kindle books on Amazon. I didn't find out about the Amazon stuff until today. Amazon is refunding me. The Paypal thing is still in dispute, even though the seller responded to my email saying he never shipped anything and has refunded me. He hasn't, or at least it hasn't gone through anywhere, so it's still sitting in Paypal waiting for him to respond. I guess in a week then Paypal will just do it for him. For all I know it's the same guy, seller and hacker, but he has a high positive feedback rating, so who knows. This all added up to over $500 of stuff. I spent last night on the computer and phone with eBay and Paypal and then today at the bank for an hour. I have to say that everyone I have dealt with at all the companies has been very nice and helpful.
Anyway, all my passwords to EVERYTHING have been changed and later tonight I am going to create a new and different password for each site. I use very secure passwords, but by using the same one, if it's hacked, it's hacked everywhere. (I have always used a different password for my bank accounts, thank goodness.) No more using the same password for more than one thing ever again. This was insane. It could have been so, so much worse. I'm sure that I will get the money back eventually, but this was absolutely crappy to go through and I never want it to happen again. I have deleted my bank card from anything online, not that it really matters since I've also canceled it and asked for a new one. It's not like I can realistically just never buy online again. I buy all our homeschool curriculum that way, for one thing. I'm only using my credit card to shop online, though. I can pay it through my bank's website as soon as it posts to the card(usually the same day) so I won't have to wait for the statement. This way there is no danger that someone can wipe out my checking account leaving me with no money to pay bills, etc while I wait to be refunded.
This is the second time in 6 months that someone has tried to steal money from me online and I don't shop in shady places. I only buy where it's secure. Pretty scary stuff. The last time they stole my actual bank card number to a card that was less than 6 months old.
Change your passwords often and don't use the same password for everything!
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5 comments:
Jen, I am so sorry! I had my wallet stolen in the fall & felt so violated. More than anything, it was such a pain. I'm sorry you have to go through this stuff...and good reminder on the passwords. We use a lot of the same ones...now I'm going to think twice.
And I just have to say...what is WITH people?! Sometimes when I think about how mean people can be, I get mad. Spittin' angry, as my grandma used to say. :)
That really stinks. I hate that we have to take so many precautions and even then they may not be enough.
Thanks for the warning. I will make sure to follow suit.
I hope it all gets worked out and the headache of it will be behind you soon.
Ouch! Guess I need to go change my passwords- I really only have about two main ones that I use for just about everything... I'm a sitting duck!
Oh my goodness....that is scary!!!
I am going to take your advice! Thanks!
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