[The Buckeyes]

Last Dec both my wife and I had our Discover Cards compromised in the same week. After that I always notify them of travel plans, what states we will travel thru but, even this does not always work in your favor. Went for LSV last Jan with no problems. Went for Design Mtg in March and while shopping at Walmart (466) both of our cards were denied...if it happened to you... you know how embarrassing it is. Got back to the rental villa, called and gave them an earful as they did have our travel plans documented. Same thing happened in May when we closed on the house. Same Walmart (466), my card denied but they actually called on the way back to the home and yes they had our travel plans documented. I thanked him for the call, informed him of the situation in March (they had it documented) and said this is strike two and one more will deem a switch to mastercard!

[murray607]

Originally Posted by asianthree

We are using cash only when we go out but if I have to use a credit card American Express will fix anything with no worries

I avoid usage of credit cards as much as possible. However a couple of things
stand out for me when using credit cards in Canada vs US.

Our VISA card ussued by Royal Bank of Canada, here in Canada has an imbedded chip and we always use it by inserting the chip end of the card instead of swiping the magnetic strip.

The VISA card which was issued by Royal Bank of Canada USA, only has the magnetic strip. I think the chip card provides a better level of security, as it is possible for the magnetic strip information to be downloaded from your card, but apparently not the information on the chip.

I never use my credit card when the store uses the old fashioned manual (impressing/embossing) method of processing.

Three years ago, as the Finance Committe Chair of our local ambulance board, I was made aware of a fraud on one of our vehicle fleet credit cards used for purchase of gas.

From the investigator, I was told the following.

The perpatrators make credit cards which are just like the originals. Then one of two things happen. They either upload the information that was fraulently obtained when you card was used at a store by an individual using a separate card scanner to get this information. It is your name that is on the card.

Another method is to make up a look-alike card where they have not used a card scanner. The thiefs know the main numbers that should be on the card and add sequential numbers to that and input bogus information to the magnetic strip. In this case they add a fictitious name to the card.

In the case of our Board, we were one of many defrauded. What surprised me was when this happened it came to light that the main perpatrator was a man quite well known in Canada for past charitable work. See the link below.

Steve Fonyo charged with fraud related to credit card | CTV News

[Markam]

Capitol One MasterCard holders can configure their account to send them an email every time their card is used. I regularly get the email within a minute of using my card. This feature also serves to alert me if an incorrect amount was charged. I imagine other credit cards offer a similar service.

[casita37]

Just an FYI, if you pay at the pump with a credit card, they will automatically put a large charge on the card before allowing you to pump gas. The Shell on 466 puts $95 on the card. It usually takes 2 or 3 days to drop off and the actual sales amount to appear.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by murray607

Our VISA card issued by Royal Bank of Canada, here in Canada has an imbedded chip and we always use it by inserting the chip end of the card instead of swiping the magnetic strip. I think the chip card provides a better level of security, as it is possible for the magnetic strip information to be downloaded from your card, but apparently not the information on the chip.

The embedded chip cards are commonplace in Canada. When a chip card is used, the user is then required to enter a four digit "private password" number.

I haven't seen any machines in The Villages that read chip cards. I'm curious, are embedded chip cards not used in Florida?

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

The embedded chip cards are commonplace in Canada. When a chip card is used, the user is then required to enter a four digit "private password" number.

I haven't seen any machines in The Villages that read chip cards. I'm curious, are embedded chip cards not used in Florida?

They are all over Europe and have been for over a decade. They are more secure, but the American credit card companies won't spend the money to switch their cards over. There is one bank--I think it's Chase, but don't quote me--that started offering a chipped card last spring. But I haven't seen a chip reader in any of the states we've traveled through, which would be MI to the east coast, and south through FL. Maybe someone else has run across them?

Another practice common in Europe is that when you pay at a restaurant, they bring a portable scanner to your table and run the charge in front of you. Your cc never leaves your sight.

[gustavo]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

It seems funny to me these charges are $99.00. I wonder if the $99 is the least they can charge, without it becoming a felony.

Just sayin........

most gas stations charge $95 or $99 until the actual gas amt comes through. Probably just an overreaction.

[Matzy]

I already went through it after my credit card was used from someone in Chicago while I was in Florida. The bank called me right away and also sent emails. Within one hour the credit card number was eliminated, and the bank (BoA) did send us a refund of the amount right away. Okay, I had to wait for a new credit card for 4 days. It was/is a great service.