I’ve been a Citibank customer for over 6 years - I remember opening my account with them during the latter part of 2001 in their 23rd Street branch between 7th and 8th Avenues.

As I do most mornings, I logged into my online account to make sure any outstanding Amazon or Verizon Wireless transactions had gone through correctly. Everything was in order except for around $1,500 in unauthorized debits, which included a little under a grand in Sprint Wireless charges, and almost $500 for a JetBlue ticket. For starters, I’ve never owned a Sprint cellphone and have been with Verizon for over 5 years. Additionally, I’d never set foot on a JetBlue flight.

I called the bank, and relayed what I’d found. I have to say, I was expecting less-than-perfect service from Citibank, but they were fast (in canceling my entire card number (something called “collapsing”)), courteous, and highly professional. After about an hour on the phone, I sat thinking what could I have overlooked with regard to how I deal with old bank statements, or the little receipts I stuff in my wallet after paying the restaurant check.

Word to the wise - shred EVERY piece of paper that has your bank account number, credit card details, and anything else that could lead to some thieving shits steal your hard earned dough.

I’ve been told all the money that was stolen will be credited back to my account and a full investigation into what happened, and where the trail leads will begin. I get my new card tomorrow morning.

Such a headache - preventable by disposing of personal and private financial information properly.