Optimum Point Theft *please read*

[Freeat50]

If this was done the way I think (the thief transferred points from the victim's account to their own, then redeemed the points on their card) this is actually very easy to do. To log into an account, all you need is the person's Optimum number and postal code. From there you can transfer points to any other account. So if you're sending someone points, and they're mailing you coupons, then they have all they need to drain your account. That's one reason I've never traded Optimum points. I really think that it should be harder to get into a Shoppers account online - you should be able to set a password and have that be the only way to get into the account, postal code and Optimum number shouldn't be all you need.

I hope that this person is caught, and punished accordingly, but I do think Shoppers should make it harder to get into the account.

I completely agree. It is too easy to just plug in postal codes until you find one that works...especially if the person belongs to a forum and might have identified which city he or she is from.

[howwon]

IMO, this person should be banned from SC.

[miztia]

So cant they just trace the points to find out where they were transfered to, then go from there? Thats just plain rotten, and must have planned that one out. I feel bad for the trusting people that get ripped off!!!
I read something similar a long time ago, which prompted me to get a couple dummy cards to use, and just transfer points around as needed.
I hope this gets rectified, theft is theft no matter how you look at it

[coley3]

That is terrible. As I am new to Shopper's points I think I will get my hubby a card as well. I used my # for the tell a friend event. This way I could keep the bulk of my points if I ever get enough, LOL, on his.

[EdLeafs]

Wow! That is terrible. I can't imagine how long and how much work it must of took for someone to earn 300,000 points. It's an amount that many can only dream of having. I hope all goes well in the end.

[itsjustmebub]

wow.

[lotus]

By no means do I ever think its ok to steal, no matter your situation, but I am respecting that the person who was stolen form wants to give them a chance to come forward and avoid criminal charges. I've never stolen before, not even a small item from a store. I'd look and feel so bad Id turn myself in haah.

absolutely agree. the SC'er who was stolen from is being beyond gracious in approaching it that way. I agree that the person should still feel the consequences of wrong doing and has a rare chance to take advantage of here. I haven't stolen either -- any guilt consumes me and I have a really tough time dealing when I feel any. hopefully their conscience kicks in soon.

[Bluntbabe]

Terrible news, great tips for preventing this from happening again.

[EdLeafs]

absolutely agree. the SC'er who was stolen from is being beyond gracious in approaching it that way. I agree that the person should still feel the consequences of wrong doing and has a rare chance to take advantage of here. I haven't stolen either -- any guilt consumes me and I have a really tough time dealing when I feel any. hopefully their conscience kicks in soon.

Yeah I totally agree with you but when someone steal $600 worth of points, do you really honestly believe they will simply give them back? Very unlikely but I really wish they prove me wrong here. If they had a good conscience mind, they wouldn't ever think of stealing at all in the first place.

[Boo Radley]

IMO, this person should be banned from SC.

Yes once Shoppers reveals their identity they will be banned from SC permanently.

We have had probably over ten thousand shoppers optimum related transactions on SC with less than a few isolated incidents. Although it may seem like I'm not contributing much to the forum as a member I'm always working behind the scenes to ensure that SC is a safe, friendly and secure community where people are not cheated in anyway. I will continue to work with Shoppers, Sally, Cyanne and the affected member on this till we get it resolved.

What saddens me even more is that the person who got cheated is someone who uses all her points for charity every single year. She is an awesome person.

[carlyincanada]

Wow, that is so sad & shocking news! Hope it gets resolved asap!

[KK7]

First this is to the person who could be so rude and low I don't care about feeding the family that is BS I survive on 1,300. a month with 2 kids!!!!!! NO EXCUSE and hope you feel ashamed!!!!! Sorry but that subject errks me to no end hate people who steal!

Second Never even thought of it thanks for opening my eyes will only give out my card # too someone I would trust!!!! Thanks Sally and Boo for all your hard work

Third to the person who has fallen victim hope everything works out

[seapotato]

that's terrible! i can't believe someone would stoop so low. I hope everything gets worked out.

[Doda]

I don't have any other word for that than theft. And the only way to resolve it should be reporting to the Police. No mercy for thiefs for heaven's sake!...

[screamy]

Holy crap.

Disgusting.