Bank debit cards are worse than credit cards

[erik]

Check this story out. This lady just don't get the fact that the bank debit card she uses could well have been the cause if her identity being stolen. The card could have been run through a swiper (magnetic card reader) and the thief could have gotten her checking account transit numbers. This is know as skimming according to consumer reports magazine.

You can buy a magnetic card reader for about $55.00.
http://www.dealtime.com/xPO-ID_Tech_MiniMag_IDT3331_12B

"I use the bank card so I know it’s just me with access," Van Camp said. "I write very few checks."

Van Camp said she’s received a stack of letters from stores seeking payment for bounced checks.

http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories2003/local/20031016040344.shtml

[kb9tbq]

It is a good thing to note, if you don't need the particular card - then keep it home locked up in a safe. Only carry what you need.

And when you do go somewhere to use the card, make sure that you take the reciept copy which it was used in for a purchase, never throw away in public trash cans take home to destroy by other means.

I know new laws are suppose to change that such machines are to be faded out that regular merchants use to swip - so that complete account numbers wont be shown on receipt, but you must still be careful of the ones out there that would use such machines.

Don't ever let a clerk leave your sight with your credit card for any reason what so ever. If they say they have to check on something - then insist that they give you your card right back! And that when they return then they can complete what they started.

Same thing with your drivers license - never let a person out of sight still holding on to these things of yours!

Only other thing you can do to protect yourself is always pull credit report periodically to look for things that don't look right and get on top of investigating as soon as you discover such things.

[erik]

I have found lately that while the first 11 or 12 digits of my account number is not printed on the credit card recites that I get, the entire account number is printed on the recites that the store keeps. :idea: I have started the habit of using a pen to obliterate the first 11 or 12 digits of the account number.

[kb9tbq]

I am not sure how this is going to change exactly but in the next year or so - FCRA is making changes that credit card companies no longer allow any thing to be printed up showing the complete account number.

I think it is going to be delayed a year or so according to what I have read, but it will change none the less.