The day after Christmas I received an automated phone call from my bank about suspicious activity. I looked at the pending charges on my account and I saw "CHKCARDLAWRENCE CRANE SHERMANKS CAUS" for $291.95. A few searches turned up with this company by the name of Release Techniques which seems to be some sort of self help company.

I canceled my credit card and then found the contact information for Release Techniques, inquired with their customer service about an unauthorized charge to my credit card, they then looked up the order which just happened to be under my name and address. I asked if there was any other order information, their response was that it was a web order and they gave me an email address that the person registered with. This email address was one that I have never heard of.

They said they would cancel the order (Was some sort of Workbook/tapes) since it hasn't shipped and contact my bank. I sent my name into the FTC and put a fraud alert out just in case this is some sort of ID theft. I have the card in my possession so the only thing I can think of is that someone copied the numbers at one of the 3 places I shopped at for some last minute Christmas shopping...