Monday 11th November 2002

Credit Card Fraud

Watch your card

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[Dandarez]

Friend got caught at petrol station like this - first he knew was when money was going out of his account -in Italy!
I was aware as I use same petrol station a lot and found one of the scams they use is to remove the pen, take your card and then say 'sorry sir, I will get you a pen and then disappear long enough for them to get your card details. It happened to me and the guy looked guilty as hell as he came back through the door. When questioned why he took my card with him he stuttered so much I took no chances - immediately cancelled my card and awaited a new one.

[S2 Giles]

I work for a card company and just want to add a note of caution.

Not every garage that wipes your card through more than once is ripping your card details off, there are genuine reasons why they may do this.... some use a seperate hotcard file which contains stolen card databases and cross-matches.

However, Filling stations and also restaurants are the two main 'points of compromise' for your card data. A card details capture device (swipe) can be brought for very little money.

To coin a phrase " dont have nightmares, statistically your very safe"

And remember, most credit card companies will defend you regarding this issue and you shouldn't lose the money involved.

[kevinday]

Similarly I work on contract for a company that provides the software and runs POS devices. The PIN feature will not make very much difference as it has been found that a high proportion of card-holders keep the PIN number with the card, either written on the card itself or on a piece of paper with it. You will be at less risk if you can memorise the PIN and not write it down. Also do not change the PIN (if able to) to a number including birth date details, it is easy to guess this.