A scam involving unauthorized Google charges is hitting more accounts from different banks nationwide.
At that time, the amount we saw was always $13.01 from Google followed by a person or business name.
But dozens of people saw our story online and let me know they too see the bogus charges in amounts of $.99, $1.07, $5, $9.99, and more.
Matthew says he had 13 transactions on his account of $.99 each.
He let me know his bank in Bastrop, Texas, had many people complaining about the same bogus Google charges.
While we only saw the charges appearing on Chase accounts at first, that has changed.
Matthew's account is at a community bank near him.
People say they've seen the charges on Walmart Money cards, CashApp accounts, and even accounts for government benefits.
Jovan in Tulsa says he has a Discover account and found bogus $5 charges.
Gabriel says his Bank of America account was hit repeatedly.
He asks, "what the hell?"
Good question. We've repeatedly asked: what is going on?
You think since the Google name is being used, Google would want to shed some light on this scam. But despite attempts to get answers for you, Google has not even responded to us.
We did see one person get a $10 Google refund from a $50 dispute.
In most cases, banks are refunding the money and sending new cards. But some of you let me know even that didn't stop it.
One account holder says they had another charge "even after I locked my card."
Shayla says she got a new card "and now 2 new $.88 cent charges."
It's the same story with David who says the day after getting a new card, "I realized there were more charges."
"The low amount of money, it seems like they are testing the waters to me," Matthew says. He says his background is in law enforcement and he questions what could happen next and why more isn't being said now.
"Why are these financial institutions being so hush hush about it? That's the question of the day," he asks.
Make sure you check your bank and credit card statements thoroughly.
Report any problems immediately and follow up until the charges are removed.
Bank of America didn't bother to get back with us about this follow-up story.
Chase says: "At this time, we don’t have anything else to add but hopefully you can share the info from this link with your viewers." They sent us this link to share: Having concerns about a merchant charge to your debit or credit card?“
Discover Bank says: "Thanks for reaching out on behalf of your viewers. I'm not aware of this being a widespread problem with Discover customers and can't talk to these customers specifically. However, we offer a number of ways Discover Bank customers can protect their accounts and our 100% U.S.-based customer service teams are available 24/7 to help address any questions or concerns. A few of the tools we have available for our customers include:
- Activating account alerts - Customers can set up alerts for real-time oversight of their account either by email, text and/or push notification.
- Freeze your debit card - Just like having an on/off switch for our debit card, customers can freeze their card if it's temporarily misplaced or they suspect fraudulent activity
While we proactively monitor all accounts for potential fraud and alert customers if we see anything unusual, we also offer additional tips/advice on our website here - https://www.discover.com/online-banking/security-center/ "
