What is an 'IP' address...and how can someone tell if my computer was used for something?

Question

Hi! I have a HUGE problem. Someone used my credit card to make numerous charges to a website you have to pay for to get access to...Anyway, when I discovered this, I called the company to dispute the charge and they said they can trace the computers IP address. They said if they trace it to me, they will not refund my money. I am a college student who uses wireless internet and others have access to my computer, which is a laptop. I am confused about the IP address and how this can effect me. How can I get my money back (almost $200.00...but it was billed over 5 months so I did not notice it missing...) or what can I do to protect myself in the future. ANY helpful information would be greatly appreciated...espically what can I say to the company if they start to jerk me around. I am computer literate...but only to a certain point...but this more than confuses me. Thanks to anyone who can help!!! Sorry for the length of the question, but I thought clarification would be helpful.

I have already spoken to my financial institution and they have me in contact with their fraud department and are helping me to change my credit card numbers, bank account numbers, etc and they are going to assist me with the process of identity theft. Anything else I missed or should be doing. I am so angry right now!! Thanks for the helpful information so far. I really appreciate it.

Hey Tbird F: Yeah this helps a lot!! But, do you know if there is anything I can do to reclaim the money that I lost. Can they trace it back to me? Just currious if you know that as well.

Answer 1

Here we go, hope you have a pen lol,

Every device connected to the public Internet is assigned a unique number known as an Internet Protocol (IP) address.IP addresses consist of four numbers separated by periods (also called a 'dotted-quad') and look something like 127.0.0.1.

Since these numbers are usually assigned to internet service providers within region-based blocks, an IP address can often be used to identify the region or country from which a computer is connecting to the Internet. An IP address can sometimes be used to show the user's general location.

Because the numbers may be tedious to deal with, an IP address may also be assigned to a Host name, which is sometimes easier to remember. Hostnames may be looked up to find IP addresses, and vice-versa. At one time ISPs (Internet Service Providers) issued one IP address to each user. These are called static IP addresses. Because there is a limited number of IP addresses and with increased usage of the internet ISPs now issue IP addresses in a dynamic fashion out of a pool of IP addresses (Using DHCP). These are referred to as dynamic IP addresses. This also limits the ability of the user to host websites, mail servers, ftp servers, etc. In addition to users connecting to the internet, with virtual hosting, a single machine can act like multiple machines (with multiple domain names and IP addresses).

Knowing your IP address can allow you (and others you tell!!) to access services running on your machine such as online games, servers (FTP, web, mail), and remote access utilities (PCAnywhere, GoToMyPC, MS Remote Desktop).

A Tracker (not a Hacker, there is a difference) can use an individuals IP Address and run it through a program called a DAPM or Digital Amnifier Program Manager and locate each website you have been to within the last year (this is the same program that creates trojan horses and other monitering devices.) Fortunately for you, it does not show Credit Card Numbers just with that program alone.

Anyways got off on a tangent. It is more likely that someone close to you with access to your Credit card number and computer is the cause of your problems. It would be very, and I mean VERY difficult to defile your comp without the proper equipment; although if you are useing a public access point or jump connections (ie public library, java huts you know the deal.) it would behove you to pay a little extra money and by some sort or wireless protection. There is to many name brands out there for me to mention just one.

N-E-Wayz,

Good luck to ya and God Speed. Let me know if that helps any

TBird

Answer 2

Most CC companies have a fraud division..

I've worked for a credit card processing company. have you recently received any phishing attempts?

They are some basic information that banking and credit card processors track but assuming the transaction took place on another server the act of fraud is on the server where the transaction took place. The credit card processor didn't not perform the activity other then they processed the ACH clearing transaction.

Here is what will likely happen.. The fraud division of your credit card company will subpoena the vendor in question for records of the transaction, the vendor will comply or loss their ability to submit transaction through electronic means. ((FDIC Codification of ACH and Electronic Commerce.) The fraud division will determine if goods or services were shipped to someone besides yourself.. If someone is receiving services on your credit card if and when they are found they will be charged with felony electronic fraud, a federal crime because of interstate commerce laws dealing with the internet.

Your IP is WHERE YOU sit at any given moment on a wireless network, if you migrate to a different network your IP address will change.

The CC company DOES NOT have YOUR ip address. They have the IP address of the originating website where the transaction took place. It will require the CC company gain access to logs of the website.

In all likelihood the CC company will request a charge reversal by the vendor and you should see a credit to your statement depending on the CC firm you deal with.

I have some simple rules:

If you receive an email from what appears to be your credit card company assume it is a phishing attempt In all likelihood this is HOW your identity was compromised. forward any phishing attempts to the fraud division of your CC company so they can pursue it and verify no other accounts have been so compromised.

Do NOT reply to any email, weblink on an email or any other fashion to a credit card processor, ebay, paypal, etc, as these companies DO NOT do business this way It is unsecure.

Send no account information via email.
Never enter personal information on an unsecure website of a vendor you are uncertain of.

Best Practice is to request the CC company (and any other financial institutions) IMMEDIATELY change any and all PINS, Passwords and account names..

Answer 3

An IP address is the address of your computer. If somebody made a purchase on a specific computer, the company can trace the address of that computer or rather the location of the computer.

The reason you have that problem is because someone has your credit card information and that they probably used your computer to purchase some stuffs!

Answer 4

Along with the IP address they should log the MAC address which is specific to that physical computer. Any credit card company if you say you didn't make the charges should not charge you for those and investagate it. Make sure its not something you charged and forgot about. Since your in school using the school internet they will just see the schools e-mail and any respectable company should understand this and then they go for the MAC address which is identifable to a specific computer.

Answer 5

More than likely someone lifted your identity and credit card information to make fraudulent purchases. Unless someone got onto your machine by remote control or went through the painstaking trouble of using your IP address to spoof the credit card company, they probably didn't use your machine or internet connection.

Sounds to me like you have a bigger problem than knowing if someone used your IP address. Someone has stolen your identity. I would suggest visiting http://www.ftc.gov for steps on what to do to correct this problem.

http://www.handlethetruth.net

Answer 6

I.P add is for : Internet protocol address.
Web exparts can expose anybody by this ip add. It will tell them from which internet service provider's clients did this. and then you may be able to get that bustard. But it isn't as easy as told. It'll take time and you've to prove to the isp that you or from your computer certainly didn't this transaction.

Last of all, you must have to secure your card's pin from anybody.

Answer 7

They're full of b.s. How are they going get your IP address? Are they going subpoena your ISP or school for access to logs over measly $200 charge? I don't think so. Tell them you want your money now.

Answer 8

Learning is fun...{:-{}.