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Apr 3, 2007 | 11:31 PM

#16

ATC Crazy

Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 12,353

Likes: 4,388

From: SW VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcat Diesel

Another trick I learned is to write "see photo i.d." in the signature block on the back of the card.It doesn't always work but I make a point of thanking a clerk that thinks to check it.

I've had my Debit card for over a year now, and I have never signed it. No one has ever looked at my ID, the signature box, or even the name on the front. Just grab, swipe, and hand back. It is my #1 method of paying for things, as I rarely use cash ( I have direct deposit at work...so all I use is my card). And yes, I HAVE to have my card in sight at ALL times. McDonalds is good about it...their card swiper is on the side of their computer screen in the drive through, so it's right at the window at eye level.

Anyways....I've been thinking about doing away with my direct deposit, and only using my card for "just in case" items, or emergencies. It would sure cut down on the exposure my card gets...

Apr 3, 2007 | 11:32 PM

#17

edgl

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 734

Likes: 0

From: Lancaster, CA

I joined LifeLock to help me stay ahead of the bad guys. It is a sad day, when you have to protect yourself from all kinds of electronic scams.

Apr 4, 2007 | 08:46 AM

#18

stu37d

Government Teat-sucker

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 9,748

Likes: 1

From: Virginia Beach

AFAIK Lifelock is designed to prevent ID theft, not credit card theft. The cool thing about the lifelock commercials is the president actually gives out his personal ssn (since I'm no theif, I'll never know if it is his actual number or not). If you lose your credit card and somebody finds it, lifelock does not protect you from that, but Visa (and MC?) do protect you from stolen card use- 100%. Unfortunately, it does fall back on you to do the paperwork with the police.

Apr 4, 2007 | 08:58 AM

#19

FXForistell

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 350

Likes: 0

Speaking of SSN, when I had my little online business going, one lady input all the necessary credit card info, then in the "comments" field she put her SSN also, 'just in case I need it'. Aye carumba, no wonder ID theft is so prevalent. A lot of people make it easy. Sadly, a lot of companies also make it easy. Keep an eye on your stuff, best advice.

Apr 4, 2007 | 09:39 AM

#20

Redcat Diesel

Posting Guru

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,996

Likes: 9

From: Pittsburgh,Pa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATC Crazy

Anyways....I've been thinking about doing away with my direct deposit, and only using my card for "just in case" items, or emergencies. It would sure cut down on the exposure my card gets...

Lot's of people go the direct deposit route but I don't.My bank isn't far from me, they have a drive thru and I pass it several times each week.I pay cash for stuff like groceries and such.I don't carry much so I do have to use an ATM a couple times a week.ATM's have pitfalls too.One of the thieves tricks is to put a small piece of clear tape at the edge of the card slot.If you put your card in it will get stuck, when you leave they dig it out.I got into the habit of running my finger over the card slot before putting the card in.If there is a line in front of the ATM I stand back and wait till others are done.I also stay aware of who is around me when I'm using one.If you are alert the thieves will know it and usually leave you alone.

Apr 4, 2007 | 01:48 PM

#21

cmpd1781

Post Fiend

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 20,589

Likes: 2

From: Charlotte, NC

FLgargoyle?.......Post #13?........

What happened?..........

Good guess Bf250, but I want to hear it from the horse's mouth.........I don't like to "assume" with stuff like this.........

Almost sounds like an official-looking e-mail arrived and he responded and the bank was helpful........

Apr 4, 2007 | 01:57 PM

#22

ATC Crazy

Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 12,353

Likes: 4,388

From: SW VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcat Diesel

That's the reason I got direct deposit....my bank is quite a ways away from my house, and I got tired of running across town every week. Good tips too!

Before, I usually just took out $50-$75 for the week and deposited the rest. Money sure added up that way!

Apr 5, 2007 | 12:41 PM

#23

FLgargoyle

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,988

Likes: 14

From: Travelers Rest SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmpd1781

I got really, really lucky! Somehow, the big ticket charge was dropped, so there's only a $10 unauthorized charge still pending. And yes, the bank did send me an e-mail. I have it set to notify me under a variety of circumstances. Note that the e-mail had my full name, the last 4 digits of my account, and said NOT to respond to the e-mail. I called the bank and got everything squared away (so far). Lesson learned, I'm going to change my banking habits. I'll use a credit card from now on, as it has fraud protection, and I'm going to keep a much lower balance in my regular account. I'm also going to regularly change log-in info, and I activated a number of available security options. Even I will have to verify certain charges from now on.