Some debit cards only allow you to try 3 times before shutting the card down - so if the theif tried to enter the condo entry code three times, it activated the alert warning to the debit company, and the card is then shut down. Some banks shut it down for one day so you can try again the next day, and some banks require you to come into a branch to reset the code. There was a day where I totally blanked out on my PIN number, and after my third try, I was out of luck.

Gsteed, wondering if you have any info on the modus operandi of the "gang" in Krakow. We're heading there and would like some tips on what to look out for!

Padraig: What an excellent Idea!

The repetive (three or more times) use of the wrong code usually freezes a bank acct., just as it does w/ computer at work. However the use of a phoney code designated JUST in case the info is stolen is a good idea.

The only possible issue might be that some people may forget it is
the phoney one. I work in a bank and the customer are asked 2 specific security questions for use in identifying themselves in case if an emergency. About 1/3 of the customers forget what they originally gave as the answer to one of the secuity questions. It is a question not a word or code and they still don't know.

But the idea may still work.

But wouldn't it also effectively "freeze" your entry to your own account?

I think that this is a good idea. I had problem with my debit card and entered incorrect number 3 times. The ATM machine kept my card and my bank froze my account. If someone stole your card the same thing would probably happen when they tried to enter the fake number. You might want to write the number where it is hard to read. That way they would probably try multiple times.

This happened to me in Prague. I asked the bank to hold my card until I could get my account unfrozen but by the time I got my account unfrozen they had destroyed my card. I closed out my account and started a new account.

Kraków update. Gang of three selects victim and waits until they board train. One or two men are in the car and appear to be trying to get out or through to another car. Third man approaches from the other direction. Victim is 'sandwiched'. One escape ploy is to drop to the floor and attempt to roll into a compartment. Gang leaves train at next stop...catching a ride back to start again.

thank you, Gsteed. We will be taking the train to Warsaw, so will be careful about not letting anyone in between us!

Thanks to those who explained the "wrong" code idea. I hadn't picked up on the fact that the thief's use of the wrong code is what alerted the bank to shut down the card.

LJ - yes. You would just need to go to the bank with your ID and verify yourself as the owner of the account and they'll set you up with a new card/password and your account is yourse to use again. It is a PITA but - a very very minor inconvenience compared to what if a theif had successfully accessed your bank acount.