Remember to always cover your Debit Card pin entry.

[trumad]

That's right... When using your ATM, pumping gas, or anytime you are required to use a pin number...cover it up with your other hand because something (a hidden camera) may be watching.

Here's a great piece on the evolution of hidden card skimmers.

http://gizmodo.com/the-terrifying-evolution-of-atm-skimmers-1626794130?utm_campaign=socialflow_gizmodo_facebook&utm_source=gizmodo_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

[RKP5637]

1. This is excellent advice, but now chips are sometimes embedded in 'point of sale'

readers, particularly at gas pumps and the info. scanned out by wifi. I recently had this happen to me, the police are investigating.

My bank immediately reversed the debit. They suggested using a credit card in preference to a debit card at vulnerable locations since there is not an immediate transfer of cash out of ones bank account, of course, with a credit card.

This bank is slowly releasing a new debit card with embedded chip technology to prevent this, but there is a long time lag since all of the 'point of sale' devices will eventually require updating to the new technology.

[Sherman A1]

2. Agreed

I watched a co-worker leave work a couple of years ago in tears because her bank account had been drained by her husband's carelessness with a debit card. The bank eventually gave them their money back, but it took awhile and there were bills that needed to be paid. I am a firm believer in using a credit card for everything and monitoring them regularly. It seems everyday we read of another retailer or site being hacked, but at least with credit cards they don't get to your bank account and you are not responsible for more than $50.00 at the very worst.

[RKP5637]

3. I was also discussing this with one the bank officers, on what I should do to feel more

protected, they suggested the credit card, which I already had with the same bank. Online, if one makes a point of sale purchase, it only takes few seconds with my bank to instantly transfer the amount from the checking/savings right into he credit card account. ... no interest and no build up of charges one doesn't want. As the officer said, then you are protected by Visa/Mastercard and not an instant debit out.

I was interested in why credit card companies, banks and all are not interested in moving along more quickly to use chip encoded cards ... apparently it's the cost of a massive transfer to the new technology ... apparently it's cheaper for them to absorb illegal charges/debits ... at least for now.

[Sherman A1]

5. It would seem

that it would be in the best interest of the banks/credit card companies to move to the newer technology and eventually I believe they will be forced to do so, but until then, they will be absorbing the cost (which of course they will offset with other fees of some nature).

[dionysus]

8. as much as the CC companies are greedy vultures, i have to give them props for handling fraud very

seriously and not making you pay for fraudulent charges. of course they are probably insured and aren't doing it out of the kindness of their hearts... but if you ever talk to someone from their fraud division on the phone, they are serious, serious dudes.

[RKP5637]

11. Definitely. In fact, when I reported the loss they contacted the police for a report while I was on

the phone. Yes, they were very serious and very efficient. I have to give them a lot of credit for that!

[TBF]

4. I am already using cash at Target, gas stations and restaurants.

I don't like carrying a lot of cash but at least at Target they have an ATM for my bank right in the store so I just take cash out when I need it.

Thieves are getting too good at stealing debit card numbers and I think I'm more prudent with cash anyway (not as likely to spend when you're using actual cash vs. signing a receipt).

[RKP5637]

7. I think that's a good idea. Right now, I've started just using a credit card and then I can do

an instant transfer online at my bank from the checking account to the credit card account, same bank, when I get home so I don't rack up credit charges and also stay interest free.

[SomethingFishy]

6. Good advice.. although they didn't get my pin

they did get my card number.. twice in the last 6 months Luckily the banks are getting pretty good at spotting them. Both times the bank caught it before any fraudulent charges went through...

[RebelOne]

10. My bank also alerted me to my card number being fraudulently used.

Many people here do not like Bank of America but they are on the ball in detecting fraudulent use of your bank account.

[Tree-Hugger]

9. K&R for exposure nt