Author Topic: weird goings on with bank of america  (Read 10275 times)

frugalnacho

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5055
  • Age: 41
  • Location: Metro Detroit
weird goings on with bank of america
« on: April 23, 2018, 10:45:08 PM »
I got an email tonight from bank of america saying that my credit card ending in 5678 is on the way.  It lists my full name and address.  I scroll down the email and it says "Your last sign-in was 4/23/18".  This seemed odd because the current date is 4/23/18, but I certainly haven't logged in in the last couple of weeks.  Also odd because my account number ends in 1234, not 5678 (made up numbers).

I figured this was some kind of fraud or phishing email (although how the fuck did they get my real name and address?), so I log into my bank of america account.  It does indeed list my account number as 5678.  I double check the card in my wallet, and it says 1234 and doesn't expire for another 2 years.  I check my last couple of statements on the bank of america website and it lists my account number as 1234.  I check my recent log in activity and it lists the current sign in (4/24/18 - I didn't sign in until after midnight after getting the email), and also lists the last 2 sign ins from a couple weeks ago (when I paid the bill, and when I added a tradeline AU).  No sign in on 4/23/18.

There has been no fraudulent charges or activity that I can see.  There seems to be no explanation as to why my account number is suddenly different.  I also can't reconcile how the email lists a log in on 4-23-18 that never happened, and doesn't show in my account history.

Wtf is going on?

nancy33

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 218
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2018, 11:33:03 PM »
you need to call them. That sounds bad to me! Also I switched to a local credit union. BOA was very evil during the 2008 crash to people I know well. Credit union is so much easier and better to deal with I don't know why I didn't switch sooner.

big_slacker

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1350
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2018, 06:44:35 AM »
May be sending you a new card due to possible data breach, either their own or more likely a third party.

The login, one thing that comes to mind is financial software like mint, etc. You can certainly call and ask about the login.

the_fixer

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1252
  • Location: Colorado
  • mind on my money money on my mind
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2018, 06:45:19 AM »
I would call them as well.

The new card could be as simple as them sending you a new card that has a chip or different security.

Do you use mint or something similar that login and update from time to time?

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk


jamaicaspanish

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 131
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2018, 07:40:30 AM »
my "last login" always shows as the current login.

not really helpful . . .

frugalnacho

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5055
  • Age: 41
  • Location: Metro Detroit
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2018, 08:02:04 AM »
I do have a mint account.  It doesn't list any history in the recent log ins for mint though (ie no where in the BoA log-in history are there any mint log ins, only the times I manually log in).

A new card with a new account number due to data breach or whatever should come with at least some explanation.  More than "uh, your new card is on the way!"

inline five

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 675
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #6 on: April 24, 2018, 08:15:08 AM »
Why don't you just call them? Are people that afraid to pick up the phone these days?

BoA has always been good for us, we tried smaller banks but their features and benefits paled in comparison.

For those pushing credit unions look up cross collateralization.

novaavance

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 1
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2018, 09:16:31 AM »
I called BOA because I had a fraudulent purchase on my credit card.  When I called, she said I was already being sent a new card because there was a data breach with a company and my card was on the list.  I think it was paypal, but I could be wrong.  They reversed the charge and are over nighting me a card.

dude

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2369
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #8 on: April 24, 2018, 09:28:57 AM »
Hmm, maybe some Wells Fargo style b.s. where employees are creating accounts unbeknownst to their customers?

dude

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2369
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #9 on: April 24, 2018, 09:30:50 AM »
Why don't you just call them? Are people that afraid to pick up the phone these days?

BoA has always been good for us, we tried smaller banks but their features and benefits paled in comparison.

For those pushing credit unions look up cross collateralization.

Perhaps, but banks like BoA wield tremendous political influence and I'd personally rather not give the Jamie Dimons of the world that kind of power. Been with a federal credit union for @12 years and couldn't be happier.

dcheesi

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1309
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #10 on: April 24, 2018, 09:54:06 AM »
I seem to recall that the last time I got a replacement card from BoA, it took them an extra day or two to send another email actually explaining what was going on (retailer security breach, IIRC). Other than the login thing, which I might not have noticed, it was very similar to your scenario.

lbmustache

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 926
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #11 on: April 24, 2018, 12:23:25 PM »
The number on your credit card or debit card (last 4 digits) is NOT the same as your account number. They are two separate things.

Your full name and address are public record FYI...

Like others have mentioned, your debit/credit card was probably due to a data breach and they are sending you a replacement. You can always call to verify.

haflander

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 379
  • Age: 33
  • Location: Dallas
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #12 on: April 24, 2018, 12:31:16 PM »
The number on your credit card or debit card (last 4 digits) is NOT the same as your account number. They are two separate things.

Your full name and address are public record FYI...

Like others have mentioned, your debit/credit card was probably due to a data breach and they are sending you a replacement. You can always call to verify.

+1, LBM is exactly right. Account # is 12 digits I believe and card # is a completely different 16 digits. I also have BOA and they have twice randomly sent me a replacement debit card with no notice beforehand after a retailer security problem.Seems to be once every two years even though expiration date is years in the future.

Considering how these explain what probably happened, I would guess your login time issue is some kind of weird computer and/or user mistake and is not tied in to some fraud to swindle you. If this thread isn't reassuring enough for you...call or visit BOA like people did in the 20th century :)

frugalnacho

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5055
  • Age: 41
  • Location: Metro Detroit
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #13 on: April 24, 2018, 12:39:45 PM »
The number on your credit card or debit card (last 4 digits) is NOT the same as your account number. They are two separate things.

Your full name and address are public record FYI...

Like others have mentioned, your debit/credit card was probably due to a data breach and they are sending you a replacement. You can always call to verify.

Looking back through previous emails from BoA, I think you are wrong.  Communications from them have only ever referenced an account/card ending in 1234.  The 5678 is a new number that I have never seen.  It is now listed as my account on the website, and also as my new cc number (which are the same, both ending in 5678 now apparently).

My name and address are a matter of public record I guess, but that doesn't explain how someone would be able to obtain them (along with my email address that I use for BoA and my BoA account number) and put it all into an email to me.  BoA having all that information in an official email? Makes sense.  Someone doing a phishing attempt on me? That makes no sense.  Also if they have that info, what are they phishing for?

haflander

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 379
  • Age: 33
  • Location: Dallas
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #14 on: April 24, 2018, 12:44:50 PM »
Whatever the case is...as others have mentioned...you can find out with a call that should take 10 minutes, less if you don't get put on hold.

frugalnacho

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5055
  • Age: 41
  • Location: Metro Detroit
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #15 on: April 24, 2018, 12:51:10 PM »
The number on your credit card or debit card (last 4 digits) is NOT the same as your account number. They are two separate things.

Your full name and address are public record FYI...

Like others have mentioned, your debit/credit card was probably due to a data breach and they are sending you a replacement. You can always call to verify.

+1, LBM is exactly right. Account # is 12 digits I believe and card # is a completely different 16 digits. I also have BOA and they have twice randomly sent me a replacement debit card with no notice beforehand after a retailer security problem.Seems to be once every two years even though expiration date is years in the future.

Considering how these explain what probably happened, I would guess your login time issue is some kind of weird computer and/or user mistake and is not tied in to some fraud to swindle you. If this thread isn't reassuring enough for you...call or visit BOA like people did in the 20th century :)

No LBM is wrong.  My account number is not 12 digits, it is the same as my CC #.   Maybe you guys have additional accounts with BoA or something?  I've only ever had a single account number that is the same as my CC #.  Both have been updated as of the email last night.

frugalnacho

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5055
  • Age: 41
  • Location: Metro Detroit
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #16 on: April 24, 2018, 12:52:19 PM »
Whatever the case is...as others have mentioned...you can find out with a call that should take 10 minutes, less if you don't get put on hold.


haflander

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 379
  • Age: 33
  • Location: Dallas
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #17 on: April 24, 2018, 12:59:16 PM »
Ha! We may or may not be wrong, but now you're definitely wrong. Calling would have taken less time than what you've already done: reading/posting on this thread and digging up your account #s online and the letter and the new and old card. I know this because I just called BOA yesterday to close an account because it was gaining me 0% interest and charging me fees. Although it was longer than it should have taken, it was still <10 minutes.

What's the point of posting to internet strangers about their opinion if you won't call first? I don't get it...

frugalnacho

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5055
  • Age: 41
  • Location: Metro Detroit
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #18 on: April 24, 2018, 01:08:30 PM »
Well originally I posted because it was like 1AM and I thought it was super weird and I was confused.  I didn't feel like calling in at the time.

I just timed myself, it takes about 20 seconds to open another tab and log into my account.  It also only took me about 20 seconds to search my email (which is already opened) for bank of america and see all the emails they've sent me.  Plus I don't have to talk to another human (which I hate doing) to do those things.

Either way I'm convinced this email was officially from BoA (since my official account information has changed on their website).  I'm also satisfied there has been no fraudulent activity on my account.

So what am I even going to say to the rep when I call? What's going on with a new account number? Can you explain this discrepancy where is says I logged in on this date, even though I did not log in?  The CC rep likely won't have any information for me (they rarely know anything and can't perform any actions outside of a predetermined list they have in front of them).  I'll just wait for my new card to come in the mail.

inline five

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 675
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #19 on: April 24, 2018, 01:12:42 PM »
After the Target and Home Depot breach I got new cards from them. PITA because I had to change all my bill pays twice in two months. But better that than having fraudulent charges. Rarely do I ever wait on hold, are you a preferred rewards memeber? There are different phone numbers, typically you go directly to a CS rep.

haflander

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 379
  • Age: 33
  • Location: Dallas
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #20 on: April 24, 2018, 01:13:49 PM »
Well originally I posted because it was like 1AM and I thought it was super weird and I was confused.  I didn't feel like calling in at the time.

I just timed myself, it takes about 20 seconds to open another tab and log into my account.  It also only took me about 20 seconds to search my email (which is already opened) for bank of america and see all the emails they've sent me.  Plus I don't have to talk to another human (which I hate doing) to do those things.

Either way I'm convinced this email was officially from BoA (since my official account information has changed on their website).  I'm also satisfied there has been no fraudulent activity on my account.

So what am I even going to say to the rep when I call? What's going on with a new account number? Can you explain this discrepancy where is says I logged in on this date, even though I did not log in?  The CC rep likely won't have any information for me (they rarely know anything and can't perform any actions outside of a predetermined list they have in front of them).  I'll just wait for my new card to come in the mail.

I think that qualifies as a satisfying conclusion to this thread and your problem. All is well!

Rosy

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2742
  • Location: Florida
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #21 on: April 24, 2018, 02:22:49 PM »
Why don't you just call them? Are people that afraid to pick up the phone these days?

BoA has always been good for us, we tried smaller banks but their features and benefits paled in comparison.

For those pushing credit unions look up cross collateralization.

Thx inline - learned something new:)

Dave1442397

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1646
  • Location: NJ
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #22 on: April 24, 2018, 03:46:47 PM »
my "last login" always shows as the current login.

not really helpful . . .

On the emails they send telling me my statement is available, my last login always says 10/28/2009

Proud Foot

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1160
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #23 on: April 25, 2018, 09:28:37 AM »
Can't help you on the log-in part. Does your current card have a chip? I randomly received a similar email from them several months ago saying a new card was on my way when my then current card was not expired. However my email did state it was because they were upgrading my card to one with a chip. I cannot remember if they kept the same number or not.

lbmustache

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 926
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #24 on: May 02, 2018, 11:40:45 AM »
The number on your credit card or debit card (last 4 digits) is NOT the same as your account number. They are two separate things.

Your full name and address are public record FYI...

Like others have mentioned, your debit/credit card was probably due to a data breach and they are sending you a replacement. You can always call to verify.

+1, LBM is exactly right. Account # is 12 digits I believe and card # is a completely different 16 digits. I also have BOA and they have twice randomly sent me a replacement debit card with no notice beforehand after a retailer security problem.Seems to be once every two years even though expiration date is years in the future.

Considering how these explain what probably happened, I would guess your login time issue is some kind of weird computer and/or user mistake and is not tied in to some fraud to swindle you. If this thread isn't reassuring enough for you...call or visit BOA like people did in the 20th century :)

No LBM is wrong.  My account number is not 12 digits, it is the same as my CC #.   Maybe you guys have additional accounts with BoA or something?  I've only ever had a single account number that is the same as my CC #.  Both have been updated as of the email last night.

I believe you are correct and it has to do with the type of accounts. I have checking, savings, and credit card accounts with BOFA. My checking and savings end, let's say with "1234" and my debit card ends in "5678" and my credit card is "9001" or whatever. They are all different numbers, for me.

However with Chase, where I only have a credit card, it appears that my account number and credit card number are the same. Makes sense.

RH

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 118
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #25 on: May 02, 2018, 12:21:10 PM »
Too funny. Millennials are so afraid to talk to an actual human thanks to social media. Anytime there seems to be something fishy going on with my finances/unusual emails,etc... I CALL UP THE BANK. It's pretty easy and the person on the other end doesn't bite, I promise.


patchyfacialhair

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1259
  • Age: 34
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #26 on: May 02, 2018, 02:49:52 PM »
Too funny. Millennials are so afraid to talk to an actual human thanks to social media. Anytime there seems to be something fishy going on with my finances/unusual emails,etc... I CALL UP THE BANK. It's pretty easy and the person on the other end doesn't bite, I promise.

Can't wait for the news story: Millennials killing the call center industry.

dcheesi

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1309
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #27 on: May 02, 2018, 03:08:30 PM »
Too funny. Millennials are so afraid to talk to an actual human thanks to social media. Anytime there seems to be something fishy going on with my finances/unusual emails,etc... I CALL UP THE BANK. It's pretty easy and the person on the other end doesn't bite, I promise.
Not just millennials; anyone with a degree of social anxiety is likely to prefer online over a phone call or in-person visit. Actually, talking on the phone is one of my biggest hangups, and I'm not the only one.

HBFIRE

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1311
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #28 on: May 02, 2018, 04:56:27 PM »
Why don't you just call them?

It's more fun to ask total internet strangers on a forum about it.  You know, cuz they'll have accurate answers and stuff.  Next thread, "why didn't my child support payment get processed?".
« Last Edit: May 02, 2018, 05:01:16 PM by dustinst22 »

Acastus

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 397
  • Age: 62
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #29 on: May 03, 2018, 11:14:17 AM »
I received this as well. I have a backup card with them, so it may be legit. I plan to call the # on the back of my card, and check if it matches the email.

Hmm. digits do not match my backup card. Email is emcom.bankofamerica.com. That is suspicious.
« Last Edit: May 03, 2018, 11:16:48 AM by Acastus »

BudgetSlasher

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1212
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #30 on: May 03, 2018, 05:24:31 PM »
I received this as well. I have a backup card with them, so it may be legit. I plan to call the # on the back of my card, and check if it matches the email.

Hmm. digits do not match my backup card. Email is emcom.bankofamerica.com.[/i] That is suspicious.

I have 11 emails dating back to 2/3/15 from BOA from emcom.bankofamerica.com. So likely from BOA. But, all of my your new card is on its way are from ealerts.bankofamerica.com.

Acastus

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 397
  • Age: 62
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #31 on: May 07, 2018, 10:13:21 AM »
I spoke with BoA, and they claim someone F'd up the header. That is why the account # is wrong. Stupid intern, or more likely VP.

ThatGuy

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 186
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #32 on: May 07, 2018, 07:42:36 PM »
Too funny. Millennials are so afraid to talk to an actual human thanks to social media. Anytime there seems to be something fishy going on with my finances/unusual emails,etc... I CALL UP THE BANK. It's pretty easy and the person on the other end doesn't bite, I promise.
Not just millennials; anyone with a degree of social anxiety is likely to prefer online over a phone call or in-person visit. Actually, talking on the phone is one of my biggest hangups, and I'm not the only one.

+1

HBFIRE

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1311
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Re: weird goings on with bank of america
« Reply #33 on: May 07, 2018, 09:02:45 PM »
Too funny. Millennials are so afraid to talk to an actual human thanks to social media. Anytime there seems to be something fishy going on with my finances/unusual emails,etc... I CALL UP THE BANK. It's pretty easy and the person on the other end doesn't bite, I promise.
Not just millennials; anyone with a degree of social anxiety is likely to prefer online over a phone call or in-person visit. Actually, talking on the phone is one of my biggest hangups, and I'm not the only one.

Good point.  But most of us introverts would go straight to emailing/chatting with the source (BoA) instead of to internet strangers in a case like this.  Also, even though I'm an introvert, there are some things that get your ass in gear to talk to someone.  This seems like it would fit that category.