Sherri: That is def a wake up call! Glad to hear you stopped it and were able to cover expenses, etc.

My credit card information was compromised via US Mail approximately 1 week ago. I immediately called my credit card company, they froze my account, and issued me a new card. I am fortunate that no fraudulent charges went through. However, I would not receive my new card for 7-10 business days (I wasn’t willing to pay an express shipping charge).

I use my credit card for all purchases and pay it off each month. Without my credit card, I was left with the only “liquid” money I had, which was in my brick-and-mortar bank account, and I could access it with my debit card. I don’t keep very much money in there since I transfer much of my salary into my ING Savings account. Luckily the amount of money in my brick-and-mortar bank account was plenty to cover several unexpected expenses that occurred the past week, but it easily might not have! It was an eye-opener for me that I either need to keep more money in my brick-and-mortar bank account (can be accessed virtually immediately), or I need to have a back-up credit card!

Just thought I’d share my experience in case it might help you or someone else reading this!