Reply #12: MY post wasn't clear when I re-read it. The devices that read the card are for sale online...

[freshwest]

For businesses like restaurants. Here is a link of a recent story of how it's being done at ATM's here, but with possession of the card momentarily to create a clone:

http://www.king5.com/news/consumer/Identity-thieves-using-portable-credit-card-skimmers-83602482.html

I see what you're talking about:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/07/09/v-printerfriendly/1738473/puyallup-man-sentenced-for-atm.html

I only do swiping transactions at retailers with credit cards as the bank protects me from fraud for free. I've eliminated using my debit card for anything.

I've avoided using cards at restaurants for years because I found out a score of years ago that when that card is sent to be processed, it's a matter of trust as to what's being done out of sight. People were complaining about unknown charges on their accounts.

It's possible AV visited somewhere and that's how his information was scanned, then they reproduced his card to use at the Ventura ATM. Not necessarily a theft related to the ATM itself, but I may be on the wrong trail here. It's not necessarily the owner doing it; these little tricks have been traced to just 'enterprising' individuals who obtained employment as wait staff and find moments sto do this in the hustle of business.

I just keep things simple, because I can't afford any shenanigans with my funds. Best to stop the problem at the source.