Hello everyone,
I decided to create an account here (also posted on reddit) just for the purpose of warning people about a certain scam, so you don't fall victims to it. I'll try to keep the story as short as I can.
I tried to purchase bitcoin from coinmama.com with my credit card. Transactions were declined and triggered fraud alert with my bank. I called them and asked to remove the fraud alert, which they did. Tried again...card has been denied again. Called the bank and they said that everything is good on their end and it is coinmama who denies the charge. "Did you try calling them"? Says the representative. I answer "They don't have a phone number". "Ok, let me look it up for you", she says and gives me 2 numbers.
I call one number. Doesn't connect. Call the 2nd one...some nice music starts playing and soon enough someone answers "customer service". - Is this coin mama? - Yes it is. - I am having problems purchasing on your website. - Ah yes, many customers experience this right now. - Let me call you back in about 20 min and we will try to resolve this. So far, seems ok. The guy calls back and says their system has a problem, but he will guide me how I can purchase the bitcoin on coinmama's partner website and directs me to paybis (which looks legit).
Now...from here on I am ashamed for my own stupidity, but please continue reading if this info may be useful for you.
So he guides me to create an account and buy the bitcoin there. Next he says he will create a wallet address for me and once I transfer the money there, my account at coinmama will be credited.
I do that...and of course the money transferred to this address is immediately withdrawn to another address and I don't receive any credit. Call back. No answer of course.
Now, please abstain from saying things like "it was obvious". I lost 1200 usd. I feel bad enough.
So my warnings. 1) Coinmama is a shady website! Stay away from them. 2) They DON'T have a customer phone number. Anyone who says they do and gives you some number is trying to scam you. (I just didn't expect to get a bad number from a bank representative). By the way the number in question is: +18337787700 and the guy called me back from: +19592650569
I spoke to the credit card company and they will not return my money because this is a scam, not a fraud. So my 1200 usd is not only gone, now it is on my credit card and gaining interest.
If this information was useful, I will gather the audacity and say that if anyone is willing to help out, I can post my bitcoin address here, but I will only do it if anyone is willing to help. This is by no means a spam.
Thank you for your attention and be careful!