Wow...…..I didn't realize that. Now I know why I had a problem with an auto-renew from Norton through Paypal that I didn't authorize. AmEx put a hold on it but it was released the next day for payment. Now I understand why. Luckily I called Norton and after a long "discussion" with an offshore CS person I did get the charge reversed.

Had this happen at an Outback once in NC. Woman took way too long to return with our card. For some reason I had decided to use a card we rarely use, so I knew where it happened. Around Christmas time about 10 years ago and all of a sudden I started getting charges from stores at the Mall of America in MN. I agree about having the card reader at the table. I'm so glad to see them at Olive Garden and Applebee's, at least.

Good to know. But it is a royal pain to have to deal with TWO companies. I also have all three of my CCs set up to send me texts when something is charged so knew about the Norton charge right away. I called AmEx ASAP but didn't go through Paypal. Not sure I will use them as often as I have in the past unless it is a store that I have never used before that I don't want them to have my info. But at least I know about their policies. Unfortunately Paypal is rather notorious about denying claims. All they want is their money. Just ask any ebay seller who has had a fraudulent claim from a seller who is pulling a scam.

One bad thing we have found about the texts for a charge is that hubby can't buy me any presents without me finding out! So now he has to use our daughter, who he calls his "shopper elf". She buys what he wants and then we pay her back.

Maybe I’m just lucky or I bank at a good bank. I’ve had my credit compromised when someone was trying to use it when I was trying to use it at the same time where I lived so whoever was trying to use it in another state, red flags popped up where ever it trying to be used. My bank stopped it before this person even got there merchandise. Then my bank called me or emailed me & told me what happened & they said this credit card was no good & they gave me a new one. My best defense is when we go on vacation out of state I always call my bank & give them all the details. Credit cards aren’t fool proof. You would think with all the technology we have, you would think credit cards could be made absolutely fool proof.

In the UK and Canada, the servers in the restaurants and elsewhere bring a machine to your table every time so your card is never out of sight. No reason why it can’t be done in the US. HK

It seems every year I have fraud attempted on one or two of my cards. Fortunately the issuers usually spot it and notify me.

The problem isn't your card. It's the machine you're swiping it into. Those machines can be rigged with skimmers that collect your CC info - and then that info passed to criminals who use the info to buy things online, or even duplicate the card and use the fraudulent copy in stores.

That's why virtual cards are so much more secure. The card info is in "virtual space" and the only way to access it is with your fingerprint or facial recognition technology on your cell phone.

I agree. I think the banks should require restaurants and other merchants to bring a machine to the table, or allow the customer to swipe or wave their card at the machine themselves. The way it works now, any employee can snap a photo of your card when they take it into the back room. They don't even need a skimmer. Banks could stop this immediately.

I learned some good tips here today. I've never used PayPal, never will. Just don't trust it. We tend to put everything on one card because the reward points are so good. Have been compromised a few times over the years but our bank CC company is very on top of any suspicious activity. We also track every day on line. The other good thing they do is it's one account, but each card has its own different number. We split all the recurring monthly payment vendors 50-50, so if one of us is compromised and has to get a new card/number, at least we only have to update half the list. Still a hassle, but changing 10-15 vendors is better than 20-30.
I like the idea of using a separate card just for restaurants; will probably start using the back-up card for that.

Thx for the tips!
 

I use my debit card all the time, PayPal once a month or so. n my charge card at Christmas only !
But. —- I have a lot to think about now. Didn’t think about the debit card not being as secured from my bank. And same with pay pal! I totally see your point! Thank you. Also. I agree 💯 % on the card shouldn’t leave our table ! Or hands. I am going to use cash a bit more n think about all of this info. Thank you all so much ! :bigbow: Merry Christmas and happy New Yr 2020🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

JFYI, the Olive Garden here has the machine on the table. it is great!

Only carry America Express, they care. Will call u, send text or email when a charge does not fit profile

I use both. Visa does the same thing. I have had difficulty in the past with Amex helping me on a bum charge. Capital One Visa has been exceptional in detecting fraud.


Amex is not accepted very much out of the country, especially in small shops and big grocery stores.

My impression is when credit card companies take precautions against fraud they are protecting themselves mainly. They need to reimburse you if you notify them in time of unauthorized charges so it is they who are out the money not the card holder.

I never use a credit card @gas stations when I travel, the only gas station I use a credit card @ is Sam's, I use the Shell gas cards that we accumulate @ Publix for out of area travel--gas stations along interstates, are known to have skimmers

Exactly!

dittos. the police told me to file a report, no matter what, because it keeps a file going on the activity. in my case, i actually phoned a rep of the vendor, told them my situation & they gave me all the info re: the purchase, including name of the person the items were delivered to, & location. was some person from rhode island. i gave the cops that info, they were glad to get it.