sherry

(I copied and pasted this from a different thread)<BR><BR>Message: as a small business merchant, I can tell you that the bank<BR> charges merchants a percentage for every credit card transaction (anywhere<BR> from 1.5 to 4 percent, depending on volume). However, if a pin pad is used,<BR> instead of the percentage there is only a transaction fee (like 50 cents). So<BR> you can see why the banks like the no-pin-pad situation. Up til now, I haven't<BR> had enough debit card volume to make buying the pin pad cost effective - they<BR> charge hundreds of dollars for these ten-cent gadgets. I'm starting to have<BR> second thoughts - I didn't know the customer had a higher risk!!

Kiki

Knew it had to be something about the banks making MORE money! Figures!

Laura

Count me as another who doesn't like/use debit cards anymore. My son paid for lunch at the local Pizza Hut with his card and the waiter copied his number down and promptly ordered a new computer. When my son tried to withdraw some cash the next day, he got a notice that there were no available funds. When he checked with the bank, they told him there was a large withdrawal to a computer company out of state. They called the company for him and got the address where the computer was being delivered, and the police went with the UPS deliveryman to 'meet' the young waiter. My son didn't lose any money, but it was hassle. It really showed me how easily your credit/debit card numbers can be lifted in restaurants.

Wondering

Theives can lift numbers from debit or credit cards. That is why I do not leave my receipts on a table in a restaurant. It has happened where passer bys have picked up credit card numbers from rest. receipts.<BR><BR>The one time I had my wallet stolen, it was in the US and in a YMCA of all places! But it was due to my carelessness. <BR><BR>My point in this post is not to argue the merits of debit and credit cards but to explore how to be safe to minimize the chance of theft. If I hadn't discovered the theft of my wallet quickly, theives would have had a spree with my credit cards.<BR><BR>My question - have most people who have had wallets stolen had them in a "convinient" location such as a purse or a back pocket?

Kay

After being alerted here, I checked with my banker and she agreed that an ATM, not a debit card was more secure when I travel. My bank issued it on the spot, no problem. I don't think I will carry the debit card at all anymore. On the other hand, I called my stock broker and they only issue debit cards for their cash accounts. I told them the only option they left me was to withdraw funds from their account, put it in my regular account where I could draw it out with an ATM card. I had no idea I had been carrying around a debit card for my investment account!

md

Obviously I'm out of it, here in Canada. With our rational and usurious bank system, I didn't know you could get a debit card that didn't require a PIN. There have already been cases of PIN fraud in Toronto - the hidden camera in the ceiling records your PIN, etc.<BR>With a credit card, you have the option to dispute. If the bank wants your money they have to show they deserve it. With a credit card, the crook must find a cooperative merchant, or expose themselves. A fake ATM can be any blank card with a strip, and can be used in any conveniently isolated ATM machine. I can't believe any bank executive maroon would think a no-PIN debit card was remotely secure. Must've been the boss from "Dilbert". Of course, anyone who gets and uses a no-PIN debit card is equally stupid. <BR>Sorry if I offend you, but I see no-PIN access to your account as intelligent as leaving your savings on the car dashboard. When was the last time someone checked your ID when using a credit or debit card? I am amazed when they verify the signature.

Lil

I think the operative words here are easy....with a real credit card you have the opportunity to see your statement before you pay, Nothing is automatic, you're not fighting to get your own money back! This is a no brainer.

Shirley

Thanks for your kind words and suggestions. Actually, I am in the process of trying to remove these derogatories from my credit report since this was a theft of sorts and I do have a police report filed. The problem I'm having is that the mortgage loan is in my husband's name as the primary borrower and the ATM debit card number that was "lifted" is in my name (although it's a joint checking account). Also, one problem I'm encountering is that the theft was not reported in what they consider a "timely manner" but like I said, I didn't even realize my Visa debit card number was being used....I had the card in my possession as it was never physically stolen (just the number) and I didn't even realize ANY problem until my automatic mortgage payment came back NSF. As far as I knew until that moment, we had enough money in our checking account to cover a couple of mortgage payments!! I learned my lesson and hopefully will pursue fighting this. I must admit though, my bank has not been all that cooperative and was trying to reissue me another Visa logo Debit card! I politely said, thanks but no thanks! I now have just a straight ATM card which does require the 4 diget PIN code. I suppose I'll never know how the thieves got my ATM number. Since it was the kind that only required a "swipe" maybe they just play with random numbers until they get a series that is a "live/active" card?? Shirley

Ann

Sorry, Jim, but I'm not wrong. If you ask the right person, all banks and credit unions will give you a plain vanilla ATM card. Some might balk at first, so just talk to a supervisor. Even in Colorado.

jim

So Ann:<BR><BR>Do you live in Colorado?<BR><BR>Do you bank in Colorado?<BR><BR>How many banks have you contacted personally in Colorado?<BR><BR>I spent more than an hour on the phone yesterday calling somewhere near 20 banks in Colorado asking whether they issue ATM cards, and could only find 3 credit unions that will issue ATM cards, and they are all on the Cirrus network. Cirrus will not guarantee that the cards will work outside of the US network.<BR><BR>I checked my facts have you??

Al

Jim, not to worry. I too have a straight Cirrus ATM card (no logo) and I've used it through out Europe and even in Thailand. It works fine, just make sure your PIN is no more than 4 numbers. I live in California so can't comment on this wierd Colorado thing...I also have a straight ATM from a NY bank. Sounds like something pertinent to only Colorado? (Do you have Wells Fargo banks in Colorado because I know they issue straight ATM cards here in California)Al

Tom

Jim, try US Bank in Colorado. I called them yesterday and they are sending me a new ATM card (not the check card) in a couple of days. Their website indicates that the ATM card is on the Plus system, which I understand is desired for overseas use. Maybe I'm missing something, but it didn't seem like that big a deal, at least once you get past the customer service representative's initial reluctance.

Robin

Hi Again: Yes, I did call the 1-800 number for US Bank and they are sending me a plain ATM card. All the people in the bank branch thought they had been phased out. Pays to check around. Thanks

Julie

Called my bank today and they don't handle plain ATM cards but will lower my POS part to $0.00. Which means, no one can buy anything with my Visa check card. But I can still get cash from an ATM machine. - Problem solved! - When I came back from Europe all I have to do is call them and I can change it back.