A follow-up to my "Someone used my debit card" thread...

[Critters2]

Can anyone tell me how to really protect oneself against this kind of thing? I feel kind of under siege now that this has happened. Is there a way to really keep card numbers from being stolen?

Thanks!

Critters
considering moving into a bunker

[triguy46]

1. Here're two suggestions:

Do not let the card out of your sight. I've heard that if you give the card to a server in a restaurant, for example, who then goes off to ring it up, that frequently a second copy of some type is made including the three digit security code on the back. They have the time, and the access.

Two: carry cash. If you lose it, your loss is limited.

[Critters2]

3. I am definitely going to use cash more...a lot more!! nt

[YellowRubberDuckie]

5. And if you don't want to carry cash...

They have those Green Dot reloadable debit cards now. You can get them everywhere.
Duckie

[Critters2]

8. That's a good idea. nt

[Schema Thing]

2. Ouch.

I didn't see your first post; did you lose your card? Were they able to use it as a credit card w/o having your pin?


this is one of my biggest fears carrying a wallet full of cards.


Sorry for your troubles!

[Critters2]

4. Didn't lose it. I'm looking at it right now.

They ordered from Banana Republic online.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

6. It happened to me....

Luckily they were stupid and called New Jersey with the card and used the card on a side of town that I never go. Of course it was a manual key in. Apparently it was someone who knew someone who worked in a grocery store.
Luckily they had only used the number to purchase $76 worth of stuff. I also work for the mortgage servicing end of my bank, and it was not hard getting my money back.
Duckie

[Critters2]

7. I have no idea how much they tried to purchase.

Happily, Banana Republic called before shipping the stuff. I've already canceled the card, and will call the bank in the morning. I'll also call the police. Banana REpublic caught it because the "ship to" address and my address didn't match. I wonder whether the police will be able to figure out anything about who did it based on the "ship to" address.

The good news is that the card is canceled. The person at Banana Republic said it was probably caught early on, but it's still possible that they ordered a lot of other stuff from other merchants.

I won't buy anything online anymore. I didn't do it much before this.

Sorry that it happened to you, too.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

9. I know Amazon.com does the same thing too...

If the address isn't something on your account, or someone else with a different account is using a card you have a file, they will let you know. I love Amazon because they are really obsessed with safety.
Duckie