Yesterday, while arriving at the 7 train Main Street station, I was suddenly unable to use my metrocard. For the first time, my swipe shows "See Agent". Apparently, this cheap card I bought from a black guy was a stolen one. Didn't quite see that one coming. Always thought if they wanted to scam, selling expired cards could have been easier.
Had to by a full price $89 30-day card immediately. Funny how it was still working when I took the bus prior to the subway. At least I've only lost 9 days out of a $50 card, that's still cheap.
After much consideration, I would still go with some cheap tickets on craigslist. $90 is just too much. But I do have to watch out for $50 deals. I didn't know a card can be deactivated like that - must be a credit card order originally, at least that's the only way one can get refund, the last I heard. Perhaps noting the reason of sales is more crucial now, despite the fact that they can lie about that.