You read that right.
As much fun as I had in Mexico (it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!!!), this afternoon I was hit by some news from my bank. Apparently my debit card number was stolen, made into a new card, and someone attempted to go on an expensive shopping spree in New York.
Yes. People like this do exist all over the world - even in wonderful Cabo. :(
And to make matters worse, tonight I had the realization that it most likely occurred in the airport when I purchased lunch. I now remember they held my card behind the counter longer than usual. However, I am also up late tonight with the even newer realization that they asked to see my drivers license too. Yes. They may have copied my license too. Ugh.
Luckily, my bank caught all of this before any transactions could even be approved. They knew I was in Mexico but knew I wasn't in New York (and also knew when I was going to return from my trip). Let this be a lesson that you should always always ALWAYS tell your bank when you go on vacation - even if they are an awesome bank that keeps close tabs on you anyway.
Tomorrow I will be making lots of phone calls - back to the bank about the license situation, to the American-based restaurant chain I ate at, to the DPS to see what I need to do about my license, and possibly to someone who can write this on my credit report to prevent further identity theft.
You know, they say when you are a theft victim that you feel violated and that is completely true. Even though this was a [hopefully] prevented crisis, I still feel used and dirty. Like it was partially my fault. And tonight I've been going over every detail of that transaction to see what I could have done to prevent this from happening.
And I hate that this was the ending note to such a wonderful vacation. I hate that this memory will be included with all of the great ones from that week. Not fair. Identity theft is awful.
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