This is going out to all members:
Fun Publications wants to take this opportunity to apologize to all of our members.
After many days of analysis, Fun Publications has determined that there is a security issue with our e-commerce systems. We appreciate all of you who have sent in your details. Your help has allowed us to ferret out several different patterns of fraudulent charges that have appeared on some members' cards (any that have been used over the last year with both the club store and our event registration system).
We have several different internet/networking companies looking into the matter. Unfortunately, as of yet, we have not been able to identify any forcible entry either into our internet service provider's servers or network. This is like chasing a ghost through the wires, as unfortunately, the perpetrator did not leave a trail, foot prints or finger prints.
For those of you who have been affected, we apologize for all of your time this has wasted and any inconvenience it has caused you. We understand your frustration as this same type of fraud has happened to everyone in our office on our personal credit cards at some point in the past. Our merchant services provider wants us to remind everyone that even though this can be a huge annoyance for you, the customer, your issuing bank will not hold you responsible for any fraudulent charges that might be placed on your card(s).
We know that this issue has been a huge topic of discussion on all of the boards for the past few weeks. However, we are required to investigate to determine and confirm a security issue thoroughly before making any public statements. This is why we put out a general alert statement two weeks ago.
Until the analysis is finished (can take several weeks) we don't know if the shut down by our former (Jan 31st) e-commerce provider caused the security issue or not. We do know that it has not been limited to those who have purchased before the change to our new provider.
Please, watch your cards closely as this type of security issue appears to be on the increase across the net. No site is 100% safe. You may want to consider having any cards you have used with Fun Publications in the last year replaced.
At this time, we do not know how long our e-commerce site will be offline for both the store and registrations. We will get back to you once we have a solution for this security issue.
Thanks for your support - Brian
Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
Posted by El Duque
Feb 24, 2012 at 5:26pm CST
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Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by Banjo-Tron
Feb 24, 2012
oops 

Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by NebulanFree
Feb 24, 2012
"Sorry about your luck to those who got screwed, but after weeks of super-sleuthing, we at FunPubs still have no clue about any of this mess. It might not even have anything to do with us. Our solution is to shut down completely. See you at BotCon!"


Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by Mkall
Feb 24, 2012
Thank you for the response. It's precisely what I was hoping, and expecting to see on all this.
Welcome to the world of cybercrime. More often than not the perp gets away.
NebulanFree wrote:"Sorry about your luck to those who got screwed, but after weeks of super-sleuthing, we at FunPubs still have no clue about any of this mess.
Welcome to the world of cybercrime. More often than not the perp gets away.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by bionic_radical
Feb 24, 2012
Thaaaat pretty much CEMENTS Swindle into the Hall of Fame this year.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by Stormrider
Feb 24, 2012
It's cool to send out a statement so folks know what to expect.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by G1 Legacy
Feb 24, 2012
This seems like a typical P.R. spiel, all words and no real solution. But hey, atleast their owning up to it at this point instead of seemingly keeping their heads buried in the sand.
OK sooo, I need some advice guys (and gals): I was planning to get a TFCC membership this past month to get the Runamuck figure, but all this Credit Card ID theft stuff has REALLY scared the hell out of me, so I backed off to silently watch how all of this was gonna play out. With Botcon fast approaching I don't have time to deal with the hassle that would come along with having to re-set a card number etc. But I already missed out on the "Over-Run" pre-order figure and have been reduced to having to get it on the secondary market...I really don't wanna have to do that again with Runamuck so I'm having this internal struggle on whether or not to go ahead and risk joining TFCC, I mean isn't March 15 the deadline for the Runamuck figure? I don't know if I should risk it. Oh why oh why can't they just take Paypal? LOL
Thanks in advance gang!

OK sooo, I need some advice guys (and gals): I was planning to get a TFCC membership this past month to get the Runamuck figure, but all this Credit Card ID theft stuff has REALLY scared the hell out of me, so I backed off to silently watch how all of this was gonna play out. With Botcon fast approaching I don't have time to deal with the hassle that would come along with having to re-set a card number etc. But I already missed out on the "Over-Run" pre-order figure and have been reduced to having to get it on the secondary market...I really don't wanna have to do that again with Runamuck so I'm having this internal struggle on whether or not to go ahead and risk joining TFCC, I mean isn't March 15 the deadline for the Runamuck figure? I don't know if I should risk it. Oh why oh why can't they just take Paypal? LOL
Thanks in advance gang!

Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by LiKwid
Feb 24, 2012
Hmmm..I think im gonna save my opinion and take the higher road and say..Thanks fun pub..
*moderate sarcasm...
*moderate sarcasm...

Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by AutobotCliffjumper
Feb 24, 2012
Looking forward to seeing, "We are sorry and for your trouble, we would like to send each one of you an TFCC exclusive Swindle-d!" lol
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by GetRightRobot
Feb 24, 2012
H O L Y S H * T
I can't believe it. Thank you. Thank you for being a stand up company and accepting responsibilities. And to do it on your volition. Without any outcry from innocent consumers or nothin!
I can't believe it. Thank you. Thank you for being a stand up company and accepting responsibilities. And to do it on your volition. Without any outcry from innocent consumers or nothin!

Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Same boat. I went out and got a pre-paid credit card. They can only take whatever money is on it and I plan to only put on enough to cover expenses. So if it were to get hit they wouldn't get anything.
Comment by Burn
Feb 24, 2012
G1 Legacy wrote:This seems like a typical P.R. spiel, all words and no real solution. But hey, atleast their owning up to it at this point instead of seemingly keeping their heads buried in the sand.
OK sooo, I need some advice guys (and gals): I was planning to get a TFCC membership this past month to get the Runamuck figure, but all this Credit Card ID theft stuff has REALLY scared the hell out of me, so I backed off to silently watch how all of this was gonna play out. With Botcon fast approaching I don't have time to deal with the hassle that would come along with having to re-set a card number etc. But I already missed out on the "Over-Run" pre-order figure and have been reduced to having to get it on the secondary market...I really don't wanna have to do that again with Runamuck so I'm having this internal struggle on whether or not to go ahead and risk joining TFCC, I mean isn't March 15 the deadline for the Runamuck figure? I don't know if I should risk it. Oh why oh why can't they just take Paypal? LOL
Thanks in advance gang!
Same boat. I went out and got a pre-paid credit card. They can only take whatever money is on it and I plan to only put on enough to cover expenses. So if it were to get hit they wouldn't get anything.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Call the Funpub phone number and ask Angie if you can send a money order. Is she says yes, send it pronto. If she says no, youre outta gas buddy. If you are that paranoid, maybe you should just buy Runamuck on the secondary market and have peace of mind. Whats better, spending $100 on a figure or having $1000 worth of credit fraud ? Not trying to be harsh, but it's a no brainer.
Comment by Rated X
Feb 24, 2012
G1 Legacy wrote:This seems like a typical P.R. spiel, all words and no real solution. But hey, atleast their owning up to it at this point instead of seemingly keeping their heads buried in the sand.
OK sooo, I need some advice guys (and gals): I was planning to get a TFCC membership this past month to get the Runamuck figure, but all this Credit Card ID theft stuff has REALLY scared the hell out of me, so I backed off to silently watch how all of this was gonna play out. With Botcon fast approaching I don't have time to deal with the hassle that would come along with having to re-set a card number etc. But I already missed out on the "Over-Run" pre-order figure and have been reduced to having to get it on the secondary market...I really don't wanna have to do that again with Runamuck so I'm having this internal struggle on whether or not to go ahead and risk joining TFCC, I mean isn't March 15 the deadline for the Runamuck figure? I don't know if I should risk it. Oh why oh why can't they just take Paypal? LOL
Thanks in advance gang!
Call the Funpub phone number and ask Angie if you can send a money order. Is she says yes, send it pronto. If she says no, youre outta gas buddy. If you are that paranoid, maybe you should just buy Runamuck on the secondary market and have peace of mind. Whats better, spending $100 on a figure or having $1000 worth of credit fraud ? Not trying to be harsh, but it's a no brainer.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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You could do that or it sounds like Paypal offers a similar deal where they offer a 'credit card' off your paypal account that you feed it money or something. I haven't looked too much into it, but I probably will in the not too distant future.
Comment by Kibble
Feb 24, 2012
Burn wrote:G1 Legacy wrote:This seems like a typical P.R. spiel, all words and no real solution. But hey, atleast their owning up to it at this point instead of seemingly keeping their heads buried in the sand.
OK sooo, I need some advice guys (and gals): I was planning to get a TFCC membership this past month to get the Runamuck figure, but all this Credit Card ID theft stuff has REALLY scared the hell out of me, so I backed off to silently watch how all of this was gonna play out. With Botcon fast approaching I don't have time to deal with the hassle that would come along with having to re-set a card number etc. But I already missed out on the "Over-Run" pre-order figure and have been reduced to having to get it on the secondary market...I really don't wanna have to do that again with Runamuck so I'm having this internal struggle on whether or not to go ahead and risk joining TFCC, I mean isn't March 15 the deadline for the Runamuck figure? I don't know if I should risk it. Oh why oh why can't they just take Paypal? LOL
Thanks in advance gang!
Same boat. I went out and got a pre-paid credit card. They can only take whatever money is on it and I plan to only put on enough to cover expenses. So if it were to get hit they wouldn't get anything.
You could do that or it sounds like Paypal offers a similar deal where they offer a 'credit card' off your paypal account that you feed it money or something. I haven't looked too much into it, but I probably will in the not too distant future.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by G1 Legacy
Feb 24, 2012
Rated-X Wrote:
Oh, I totally agree. There was even a guy on ebay that was selling both togetheir in the box set, but he was still mailing them seperatly as they would be released, which left me thinking I would be a fool not to atleast look into getting the runamuck at cost first and then opting for the 'ol screwgie if that didn't work. LOL I guess what I was trying to ask was, is there anyone who is more familiar with this situation or has their ear along the track/rail that might be able to say one way or the other if they thought TFCC is safe to deal with now...and the answer I'm getting from everyones mood seems to be NAY. But I trust your input "X". No "counterpunch" required here.
Burn wrote:
Kibble wrote:
I think this or a pre-paid card in general is a great idea. And is probobly the way I'll go next week. I think I can pick one up at Wal-Mart (even though I try to go there as little as possible). Thanks again for everyone's input.
Anyway, I hope TFCC can get this resolved to everyones satisfaction soon.
Whats better, spending $100 on a figure or having $1000 worth of credit fraud ? Not trying to be harsh, but it's a no brainer.
Oh, I totally agree. There was even a guy on ebay that was selling both togetheir in the box set, but he was still mailing them seperatly as they would be released, which left me thinking I would be a fool not to atleast look into getting the runamuck at cost first and then opting for the 'ol screwgie if that didn't work. LOL I guess what I was trying to ask was, is there anyone who is more familiar with this situation or has their ear along the track/rail that might be able to say one way or the other if they thought TFCC is safe to deal with now...and the answer I'm getting from everyones mood seems to be NAY. But I trust your input "X". No "counterpunch" required here.
Burn wrote:
Same boat. I went out and got a pre-paid credit card.
Kibble wrote:
Paypal offers a similar deal where they offer a 'credit card' off your paypal account that you feed it money or something. I haven't looked too much into it, but I probably will in the not too distant future.
I think this or a pre-paid card in general is a great idea. And is probobly the way I'll go next week. I think I can pick one up at Wal-Mart (even though I try to go there as little as possible). Thanks again for everyone's input.
Anyway, I hope TFCC can get this resolved to everyones satisfaction soon.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by autobot_goldbug
Feb 24, 2012
I heard right now they can't process any credit cards.
Anyway a virtual credit card would be a good option.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 01679.html
Paypal isn't any safer.
Anyway a virtual credit card would be a good option.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 01679.html
Paypal isn't any safer.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by Megatron Wolf
Feb 24, 2012
why dont they just say "sorry you guys got screwed over we're looking into it and good luck fixing your cards" instead of dishing out the same PR bullshit everyone else does
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by metaphorge
Feb 25, 2012
I'm hoping that this is fixed before the renew-to-get-Runamuck deadline passes, or if not they extend the deadline. It wuld suck for people to miss the free figure because of someone else's weak security.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by Primacron's Little Helper
Feb 25, 2012
About a week after I bought Over-Run I got a phone call from my bank saying that there had been some suspicious activity on my account, luckily they declined it but someone had tried to use my account to buy something from Yahoo.
I got a new card no problems so props to my bank, they were on the ball. Imagine if this was a major retailer or an airline perhaps, they'd be a laughing stock.
I got a new card no problems so props to my bank, they were on the ball. Imagine if this was a major retailer or an airline perhaps, they'd be a laughing stock.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by Bed Bugs
Feb 25, 2012
I've avoided the fraud bullet on this current fiasco so far....(was hit with TFSource when that happened).
I have been checking my credit card daily, just in case.
I'm very annoyed and kind of disappointed a little that I won't be at Botcon. Would be quite entertaining to see the rage that shows up in person, or if the majority of collectors only talk tough online.
Regardless, I look forward to hearing about the Club Roundtable and how that goes. Would be nice if they web-casted it on behalf of "Club Members" rather than Botcon Attendees to discuss the current problems with the Club.
I have been checking my credit card daily, just in case.
I'm very annoyed and kind of disappointed a little that I won't be at Botcon. Would be quite entertaining to see the rage that shows up in person, or if the majority of collectors only talk tough online.
Regardless, I look forward to hearing about the Club Roundtable and how that goes. Would be nice if they web-casted it on behalf of "Club Members" rather than Botcon Attendees to discuss the current problems with the Club.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by ae_productions
Feb 25, 2012
I just got hit last night.
I only used my card to sign up to TFCC (my first and probably last time) to get Rumamuck and Runabout.
Tried to use my card today and there was a TON of charges from "google". My card is frozen until I get a new one (2 - 4 weeks) and I have to wait for the funds to clear from the fraudulent charges before I can dispute them (2 - 5 business days).
Many of my pals who ordered the exclusive figures have gotten theirs. So far I have not gotten anything. (Except for a frozen cc and a bunch of unauthorized charges). I hope at least get my two figures out of this. It would really piss me off if they messed up on my order and I get nothing but the stolen ID from it.
Color me not very impressed with this whole mess.
I only used my card to sign up to TFCC (my first and probably last time) to get Rumamuck and Runabout.
Tried to use my card today and there was a TON of charges from "google". My card is frozen until I get a new one (2 - 4 weeks) and I have to wait for the funds to clear from the fraudulent charges before I can dispute them (2 - 5 business days).
Many of my pals who ordered the exclusive figures have gotten theirs. So far I have not gotten anything. (Except for a frozen cc and a bunch of unauthorized charges). I hope at least get my two figures out of this. It would really piss me off if they messed up on my order and I get nothing but the stolen ID from it.
Color me not very impressed with this whole mess.
Re: Fun Publications Issues Apology and Statement Regarding Recent Security Issues
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Comment by harrogatebantam31
Feb 26, 2012
My old card got hit, sounds like it was due to renewing my membership. Got a new card.
Purchased over-run before the system crashed. Then got hit again on my new card.
Recieved a call from by bank on Friday asking if I'd bought $415.00 worth of tyres in the US, along with payment to a kareoke firm in New Jersey?!
Second time in 3 months I've been hit, I certainly won't be buying anything else or renewing my membership until they can confirm they have sorted the issue, or offer a method such as PayPal as an alternative.
Purchased over-run before the system crashed. Then got hit again on my new card.
Recieved a call from by bank on Friday asking if I'd bought $415.00 worth of tyres in the US, along with payment to a kareoke firm in New Jersey?!
Second time in 3 months I've been hit, I certainly won't be buying anything else or renewing my membership until they can confirm they have sorted the issue, or offer a method such as PayPal as an alternative.