Credit Card Security

Comment #5

justxploring — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:15:33 GMT

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Comment #4

spy153 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:04:32 GMT

<br />I got rid of the credit cards a long time ago. I only use-very rarely-prepaid cards now. Or gift cards for "on the fly" purchases. They are just too much of a hassle. Too many ways people can steal your money with them. This way, I can't lose any more than I have put on there for that particular purchase. Everything else gets denied.

Comment #3

justxploring — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:22:51 GMT

<br />Regarding a call for authorization, that is something one rarely does in a store. I worked in retail for years and the credit card terminal automatically clears the card with a number that is printed on the slip, so there's no reason to contact the processing center unless prompted by the terminal. If it's been reported stolen, the salesperson will see "call" on the display. You are never supposed to ask for a license or photo ID unless there is no signature on the card. I was just sayin... [ More ]

Comment #2

time*treat — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:54:01 GMT

They don't ask for ID (as often) in the retail stores because it annoys more legit customers than it catches would-be crooks, in addition to creating a faster 'turnover'. It also can endanger the clerk. At the same time, you've been videotaped from 6 different angles by the end of your 'visit'. That video will be far more effective than the memory of someone working their 3rd job.

Comment #1

colthmn — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:09:17 GMT

An excellent post! For all those people involved with these various rings that produce new cards w/the acquired info and then sell them to consumers, I see how it has become even easier for them to make money. And the consumers that choose to buy into this, look how easy it is for them to take advantage. I only wonder if retailers bother to clear the card first by telephone just before allowing the purchase at least in some cases! Boy, I don't have any credit cards and I'm glad. And I have very little debt. This is scary stuff!!!... [ More ]

Original Blog Entry: Credit Card Security

justxploring — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:33:09 GMT

If you've used a debit or credit card lately, you've probably noticed that you are never asked for any identification and, in many cases, don't even need to sign for your purchase. When I bought some items in Walgreen's recently, I just swiped my card and she handed me a receipt.

I realize this is so you never show your card to a cashier or clerk. That was always the last thing I ever worried about because, after all, most of them do not have photographic memories and, even if they did, are simply trying to make a living like the rest of us! IMHO ID theft is mostly committed by hackers and thieves, not people who checkout your groceries, at least in my experience.

For about 40 years people have willingly handed servers at restaurants their credit cards. Then he/she takes it from you, leaves the room for a few minutes, and comes back 5 minutes later with your slip to sign. It only takes a minute to order lots of stuff online! LOL Yet suddenly, the same people who dine out all the time are afraid to hand a salesperson or cashier a credit card? Doesn't make sense to me. When you reserve a hotel room or a car, you always give a credit card number to a stranger on the other end of the phone. Then why would that person go to Walmart and worry that someone working her third job might remember your name and credit card number?

It might take an extra 20 seconds, but I really don't mind if someone asks for ID or check my signature. I want someone to wonder why a man who is 25 years old with red hair is using a credit card with a picture of a blonde woman in her 50s. Yet, when I was at Target, I could have been any gender, race or age since I swiped my own card and she never saw it.

Don't get me wrong, because I definitely believe ID theft is on the rise. I mean, recently over 40 million credit/debit card numbers were stolen by a group of hackers. If you haven't read about this, here's one article from the New York times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/business/06theft.html?em However, the hackers weren't the cashiers who are busily scanning your items as people wait anxiously in line.

Well, this was just a subject I thought about today after making a purchase. So it's our responsibility to keep an eye on our credit/debit card balances for fraudulent actitivity. Frankly, I won't use my debit card any more except at the bank ATM, since it's too risky. If you use one at the pump, did you know you might temporarily be charged for more than you paid, creating an overdraft? See this article which explains it better than I can. http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/07/21/debit.card.holds.gas.ap/index.html

You might also fall victim to a scam where a thief installs a skimmer that stores the number of every credit card that is swiped at that pump. That's been a problem in Florida for years, but I'm not sure it's nationwide. Well, since I'm on the subject, I just googled a few words and guess what? They're everywhere! http://wtopnews.com/?nid=104 sid=1453928 If you're not paying cash, it's probably safer to ask the cashier inside the store to run your card. Although I confess. I pay at the pump with a credit card all the time.

So while we're all swiping our little hearts out, nobody is watching ... only the bad guys! I'm not sure if all this convenience and extra security is safe for consumers!

And hey, let's be careful out there! Sergeant Phil Esterhaus, Hill Street Blues

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