Re: debit card highjacked...
"this could have been really bad."
$2800 is enough to spoil a good day.
Would the outcome be better with a credit card?
I have never had a debit card or anything attached to my checking account.
I do have two checking accounts. One for online payments, the other for paper checks and cash.
I really like cash. Everything goes into the second account. I move $'s to the online payment account as needed.
I have no idea if this a safe way to do things. It just turned out that way over time.
I hope you caught this in time to nip it in the bud.
I'll be here patiently waiting for your new card number. Please (If you could) increase your account balance.