Lockdown Diaries Day 31 – I’ve been Robbed!

Robbed

This morning I wake up and check my bank. It’s payday today and I’ve been short of cash over the holiday. Yesterday I tried to pay for my online shopping but my card was declined so my son stepped in and paid for it. I was confused as to why my card would be declined though, and of course the banking app. and phone service were no use because it was a bank holiday. This morning I logged in to find I’ve been robbed.

I have no idea how it has happened, I’m usually so careful and don’t save my card details on any shopping sites. But there is was, despite being paid the big red letters on my app. told me I had gone well over my overdraft limit and was going to be charged.

After an hour on the bank I found out that there had been several payments made including £600 to a COVID fund! I have no idea about that. I’ve not given my bank or card details to any COVID fund. I don’t click links that I’m unsure of, I have virus checker on my laptop. I’m careful, how could this happen to me. The bank were great and understood this was unusual activity and all payments have been declined, my card has been cancelled and my bank is currently unusable by anyone, even me.

They also told me that I had some Paypal payments being requested.

So I logged on to Paypal and disputed them all. I told Paypal what had happened with my bank and removed my card and bank details from my Paypal account. I have used Paypal for 15 years and this is the only time I’ve had unusual activity, but I’m convinced it was the hacking of Paypal that led to my bank details being found.

Devastated

Devastated is the only word I can come up with. It’s horrible to lose all your money even when you know you’ll get it back. It’s horrible to think that there are people out there who think it’s okay to just take other people’s money like that. I have cried so much this morning, first when I saw my bank balance and then on the phone to the bank. Afterwards when giving my kids a grilling about it. I know it’s not them, they would never purchase anything without asking, and I have to put in my details if they do. No-one else has my details.

I haven’t even used my card that much lately, apart from the food shop. Even then my card details are not saved and I have to answer security questions before payment is made.

I’ve gone through all my browser history and I can’t find anything suspicious. The only explanation can be Paypal. If they hacked my Paypal account then they could get my bank details.

Everything is closed and secure now. I can’t pay for anything.

If Things Aren’t Bad Enough

The lockdown is the easiest thing to get through at the moment. I’ve had my wobbles about not making my kids do enough. On Easter Sunday they didn’t even get dressed (although they did shower and put clean pjs on before bed.) I see people talk about constant snacking but I have no appetite and cooking is my least favourite thing at the moment.

I’ve had to deal with grief and bad news from my MRI.

My old cat is not in good health and I may have to see if I can find a vet to see her.

Thousands of people are dying. It’s so easy just to look at the figures and think, wow, that’s a high death rate. But each one of those figures is a loved one, each figure leaves behind a grieving family. Figures are easy to think about, people are not. It’s too heartbreaking.

We are staying home.

I so want to go out. What I wouldn’t give to sit by the sea and listen to the waves.

What I wouldn’t give to watch my kids run around having fun.

What I wouldn’t give to be somewhere different, to be with family, to have some laughs.

What I’m not prepared to give is any of our health or lives.

Walter Plinge

Walter Plinge is a character invented by the late great Sir Terry Pratchett in his book Maskerade. He’s also used as a pseudonym for someone who doesn’t want their name on a program for a performance. An opera ghost. The perfect name for the ghost on my brain.

I introduce you to Walter Plinge, or Walter for short. I always believe that naming things makes them less scary. I always name spiders and it seems to work for them.

Walter is on my brain. He’s very small at the moment, a nothing, a nobody. I want him to stay that way and my consultant, I’m sure, will keep a close eye on him. I just wanted you to know about him. He’s not going to be a problem, but you know, just in case I disappear suddenly, if it’s not COVID19 then it’s probably Walter that’s behind it.

The truth is, I don’t even know what Walter is. The letter about it was very confusing. So, it’s very likely that he’s as unimportant as his new name. 🙂

Staying Positive

Okay, so today I’m going to switch off. I’m learning BSL online. It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn and already have an advantage as I learnt the finger language when I worked with blind students many years ago. For the blind and deaf we used finger language a lot. I also learnt how to type and read braille, but I was never very good (not so bad at typing, but bad at reading.) I have something to occupy my mind which is good.

I’m also reading a Pratchett book, or I should say re-reading. I’ve gone for Interesting Times..quite appropriate don’t you think.

I also have my crochet WIPS to keep me going.

Today is not going to be a robbed of money, COVID19 or even a Walter Day. Today is going to be a chill and forget day. 31 Days in lockdown and the sun is out again.

See you soon, don’t forget to join in with your posts. We could make a COVID Time capsule between us!