You can use your credit card.....

[angiefox10]

without it being compromised.

Simply remove the three digit code (put it in a safe place for when you need it) from the back of your credit card and instead of a signature, simply write "see ID".

My husband and I have both done this with our credit cards and haven't had a problem since.

How to physically secure your credit card (http://www.elie.net/blog/security/how-to-physically-secure-your-credit-card)

[CFrance]

without it being compromised.

Simply remove the three digit code (put it in a safe place for when you need it) from the back of your credit card and instead of a signature, simply write "see ID".

My husband and I have both done this with our credit cards and haven't had a problem since.

How to physically secure your credit card (http://www.elie.net/blog/security/how-to-physically-secure-your-credit-card)

It's a little more complicated than that when you factor in hackers who are, say, sitting in a foreign country (or even the US) and breaking into companies' files, as happened in Target. There are many more ways to have your cc info stolen, which is why I don't believe it's necessarily being done by an employee at the last place you frequented.

[angiefox10]

It's a little more complicated than that when you factor in hackers who are, say, sitting in a foreign country (or even the US) and breaking into companies' files, as happened in Target. There are many more ways to have your cc info stolen, which is why I don't believe it's necessarily being done by an employee at the last place you frequented.

This is an informational post.

[CFrance]

This is an informational post.
I realize that, and thank you for that piece of the security puzzle, Angie. I was just pointing out, since your post title was using your cc without it being compromised, that there are other ways to compromise a cc.

[janieb]

I have my cards set up so that every time a purchase is made without the credit card present, I get an email.

[CFrance]

I have my cards set up so that every time a purchase is made without the credit card present, I get an email.

Me too. I set that up online.

[Indydealmaker]

without it being compromised.

Simply remove the three digit code (put it in a safe place for when you need it) from the back of your credit card and instead of a signature, simply write "see ID".

My husband and I have both done this with our credit cards and haven't had a problem since.

How to physically secure your credit card (http://www.elie.net/blog/security/how-to-physically-secure-your-credit-card)

I wrote "ask for Photo ID" on the back of one of my cards in lieu of a signature and a guy at the post office refused to take the card without a signature. I tried to make him understand how dumb that was without a verified signature with which to compare. That effort was futile. Now, I sign the card but also ask for photo ID. However, less than 20% of the cashiers ask for my ID.

[CFrance]

I wrote "ask for Photo ID" on the back of one of my cards in lieu of a signature and a guy at the post office refused to take the card without a signature. I tried to make him understand how dumb that was without a verified signature with which to compare. That effort was futile. Now, I sign the card but also ask for photo ID. However, less than 20% of the cashiers ask for my ID.

I had the same problem at our Post Office in Michigan. I think it must be a PO reg that their employees must see a signed card.

Our son has put "Ask for ID" on his cc from Day One, in lieu of his signature. He says it's amazing how many clerks ignore that.

[angiefox10]

I wrote "ask for Photo ID" on the back of one of my cards in lieu of a signature and a guy at the post office refused to take the card without a signature. I tried to make him understand how dumb that was without a verified signature with which to compare. That effort was futile. Now, I sign the card but also ask for photo ID. However, less than 20% of the cashiers ask for my ID.


You are correct that a merchant does not have to accept the card without a signature. While most ask to see my ID... I, as of yet haven't had anyone refuse my card. I wasn't even aware they could refuse service until your post.

It was in fact our bank that told us to do this when both our cards were compromised in the same week and neither one of us used them at the same place.

I understand after being refused by a merchant why you would sign yours... I will continue to take my chances.

Thanks for the information... Always trying to learn.

Should I Sign The Back of my Credit Card? | Credit.org (http://credit.org/blog/should-i-sign-the-back-of-my-credit-card/)

[CFrance]

You are correct that a merchant does not have to accept the card without a signature. While most ask to see my ID... I, as of yet haven't had anyone refuse my card. I wasn't even aware they could refuse service until your post.

It was in fact our bank that told us to do this when both our cards were compromised in the same week and neither one of us used them at the same place.

I understand after being refused by a merchant why you would sign yours... I will continue to take my chances.

Thanks for the information... Always trying to learn.

Should I Sign The Back of my Credit Card? | Credit.org (http://credit.org/blog/should-i-sign-the-back-of-my-credit-card/)

I've never had one declined for lack of signature except at the post office. I think it is just their own regs. Don't know why, though, when you subsequently pony up credible photo I.D. That's got to be more proof than just a signature.

[GMIJFI]

We have implemented a credit card freeze at all three credit card agencies. No one can open a new credit card in our name without our knowing it.

[tippyclubb]

without it being compromised.

Simply remove the three digit code (put it in a safe place for when you need it) from the back of your credit card and instead of a signature, simply write "see ID".

My husband and I have both done this with our credit cards and haven't had a problem since.

How to physically secure your credit card (http://www.elie.net/blog/security/how-to-physically-secure-your-credit-card)


When I first started not signing credit cards and wrote see ID in signature line I was amazed at how many cashiers did not ask for ID.

In ten years I had one merchant request me to sign and I refused and left the merchandise there.

[gadaboutgal]

The signature on the card is required by the VISA / MasterCard rules and the merchant is required to verify that the name signed on the card is the same one that is signed on the receipt. Note I said "name"- as the merchant/clerk is not required to verify that the signature is/looks the same-only that the name is the same; and the merchant is also forbidden to ask for ID. This is according to the agreement that the merchant signs when he/she agrees to accept the MasterCard/VISA in their business. Writing "see ID" on your card does not change the merchant's responsibility at all.
(fyi, I am a former Sr Training Manager for 15 years with a well known VISA/MasterCard company)

[Bonanza]

When was the last time anyone actually compared the signature on your card to your actual signature when you signed the receipt?

Half the time you swipe the card yourself and the cashier never even sees it!

[l2ridehd]

There are a few ways that you can enhance your chance of remaining safe while still using credit cards and protecting your identity.

1. As mentioned, freeze your credit reporting at all three agencies. It can be a bit of a pain if you apply for credit, car loan, mortgage, or any other loan, but still worth doing. Doing this is even better than hiring a credit monitoring service.

2. Have at least two credit cards. One used for in person purchases only and remove those three digits from the back of the card. Another that you use for online purchases only. Do not even carry that card with you.

3. Try not to let the card leave your presence. Hard to do in restaurants, which is why I almost always use cash there.

4. Set up e-mail notification when your card is used for online purchases and for purchases over a certain limit. Usually $100.

5. Check your online card statements at least monthly, better weekly.

Follow these 5 steps and you will reduce your risk of identity theft and credit card fraud.

[PaPaLarry]

There are a few ways that you can enhance your chance of remaining safe while still using credit cards and protecting your identity.

1. As mentioned, freeze your credit reporting at all three agencies. It can be a bit of a pain if you apply for credit, car loan, mortgage, or any other loan, but still worth doing. Doing this is even better than hiring a credit monitoring service.

2. Have at least two credit cards. One used for in person purchases only and remove those three digits from the back of the card. Another that you use for online purchases only. Do not even carry that card with you.

3. Try not to let the card leave your presence. Hard to do in restaurants, which is why I almost always use cash there.

4. Set up e-mail notification when your card is used for online purchases and for purchases over a certain limit. Usually $100.

5. Check your online card statements at least monthly, better weekly.

Follow these 5 steps and you will reduce your risk of identity theft and credit card fraud.
Great information!!

[rhood]

The signature on the card is required by the VISA / MasterCard rules and the merchant is required to verify that the name signed on the card is the same one that is signed on the receipt.

We have had Chase VISA cards for years and have never signed the back and have never had an issue.

[angiefox10]

We have had Chase VISA cards for years and have never signed the back and have never had an issue.


I don't carry cash and no longer sign my card. It's not blank and people do ask to see my ID. If a merchant refused to sell something to me because my card wasn't signed... I say GREAT!!!! Money I just saved!

Here is another article regarding the signing and not signing of your credit card.

Should I Sign The Back of my Credit Card? | Credit.org (http://credit.org/blog/should-i-sign-the-back-of-my-credit-card/)

My bank doesn't sent me messages when I make a purchase nor does it give me the balance. I have to check it. But for those who have banks that do... Great advise! I'm always looking for new ideas.

[CFrance]

I don't carry cash and no longer sign my card. It's not blank and people do ask to see my ID. If a merchant refused to sell something to me because my card wasn't signed... I say GREAT!!!! Money I just saved!

Here is another article regarding the signing and not signing of your credit card.

Should I Sign The Back of my Credit Card? | Credit.org (http://credit.org/blog/should-i-sign-the-back-of-my-credit-card/)

My bank doesn't sent me messages when I make a purchase nor does it give me the balance. I have to check it. But for those who have banks that do... Great advise! I'm always looking for new ideas.

In our case, it's not the bank that notifies us of any transaction, it's the credit card company. Capital One does this.

As for debit cards... We only use our debit card for withdrawing cash from a bank atm machine--nowhere else. Our son was in a situation several years ago where he left his debit card in the machine at the bank. The woman behind him accidentally used it to withdraw $200, got to the store, realized she had someone else's card, and went back to the bank, returning the card and the money. The ^&*(&%$ bank kept that $200 for SIX WEEKS while it "did all the paperwork required" to turn the money back to him that they already had in their hands. And this was a major bank.

So yes, your bank may say you're covered for fraud, but good luck getting that $ back in a timely fashion, as opposed to the cc companies who credit you immediately.

[Arctic Fox]

Many countries have switched to "Chip & PIN" credit cards

The waitress comes to your table with a wireless card-reader and puts your card in it, then you enter your PIN

The card never leaves your sight and, unless you give out your PIN, even losing your card won't compromise it.

Not perfect, but a lot safer than having your card taken away or relying on the merchant matching your signature and asking for photo ID

Maybe we could all ask our banks when they will be introducing chip & pin?

[justjim]

I had the same problem at our Post Office in Michigan. I think it must be a PO reg that their employees must see a signed card.

Our son has put "Ask for ID" on his cc from Day One, in lieu of his signature. He says it's amazing how many clerks ignore that.

:popcorn: Just looked at my new card that I received last fall and I have never signed it and used it many many times. Just forgot....... so much for signing a credit card!

Old' people are something, yes! :ho:

[CFrance]

Many countries have switched to "Chip & PIN" credit cards

The waitress comes to your table with a wireless card-reader and puts your card in it, then you enter your PIN

The card never leaves your sight and, unless you give out your PIN, even losing your card won't compromise it.

Not perfect, but a lot safer than having your card taken away or relying on the merchant matching your signature and asking for photo ID

Maybe we could all ask our banks when they will be introducing chip & pin?

Chip and pin will be implemented supposedly by October 2015. EMV compliance is required for credit card acquirers and processors, though it’s not mandated for merchants and processors. But merchants who don’t meet compliance by October 2015 will assume liability for fraudulent purchases—a shift that is poised to drive many to adopt the new standards and avoid the risk.

Here's more about it: Chip-And-PIN Credit Card Changeover In 2015 - Business Insider (http://www.businessinsider.com/chip-and-pin-credit-card-changeover-in-2015-2014-2)

[JourneyOfLife]

Ditto on Chip 'N Pin. Which is now old technology.

Here is a post about the "Credit Card Not Present" Problem (those numbers)

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/next-generation-credit-card-103946/

[angiefox10]

Chip and pin will be implemented supposedly by October 2015. EMV compliance is required for credit card acquirers and processors, though it’s not mandated for merchants and processors. But merchants who don’t meet compliance by October 2015 will assume liability for fraudulent purchases—a shift that is poised to drive many to adopt the new standards and avoid the risk.

Here's more about it: Chip-And-PIN Credit Card Changeover In 2015 - Business Insider (http://www.businessinsider.com/chip-and-pin-credit-card-changeover-in-2015-2014-2)

Promising. Thanks.