Tip to protect your credit/debit cards

Former_MSE_Forum_Manager

Can i ask why this thread has turned into an argument? The OP has made a suggestion which they are hoping helps others. If you don't agree, you may, naturally, give some constructive points about potential pitfalls or things to be wary of, but using terms like "pointless idea" is unnecessary. This forum works best when people simply post information and constructive views. Please be nice to other moneysavers...

Bokken_2

Rob_B wrote:

Just thought you might like to know of a little trick I use if the unthinkable ever happened & i got my wallet/cards stolen.

Write a random 4 digit number on the back of your card in the format 1-2-3-4 (include the '-' s) with a marker or put it on a little sticker or similar.

If your card ever gets stolen & someone looks at it they might fancy their luck with your 'pin' in a cash machine, 3 attempts and it gets swallowed meaning its safe!

Tada!

It is worth a go and can be backed up with all the other precautions that we know and love.
Deception is a very useful tool and was used sucessfully throughout World War 2.
Any deception that keeps your money in your account and wastes the thiefs time and effort is a good thing.
Being more aware and security concsious and employing all the advice given is also a good preventative measure to becoming a victim.

HGLTsuperstar

Does anyone have a "mugging wallet" for overseas travel. Basically its full of loose change, and cards that have long been cancelled. You hand it over to the muggers, your real cards being stored elsewhere on your person, they are happy (for the moment) and you get the gun/knife etc out of your face

Rob_B_8

Cracker of an idea!

YorkshireBoy

moneyfool wrote:

If you scrub out your signature strip with an indelible (black) marker, then no one could sign for anything.

I can't say for sure with a signature/CVV strip but, certainly on a dry-wipe board, indelible ink from marker pens can be 'disolved' and therefore removed by overwriting it with a dry-wipe marker pen (as anyone who has ever messed up a presentation/team brief will tell you!).

The_Boss

Rob_B wrote:

Theboss - your pointless & quite rude posts have been reported & i suggest in future you keep your nose out. No-one is suggesting you don't cancel your cards...its common sense!! This give you that little bit more of a chance to not get stung by fraud & is worth the seconds it would take, I do it, my family do it & my some of my friends also do it & even if it only ever works once in the entire country then its worth the post.

Rob

Are you that thin skinned that you get upset if someone dares to suggest the opposite to what you think and then backs it up with a couple of valid examples? The words 'drama' and 'king' come to mind.

MSE Forum Manager - this didnt turn into an argument, but the poster has to accept that there are other opinions apart from his own, which is the reason he got so stressed.

Bokken_2

HGLTsuperstar wrote:

Does anyone have a "mugging wallet" for overseas travel. Basically its full of loose change, and cards that have long been cancelled. You hand it over to the muggers, your real cards being stored elsewhere on your person, they are happy (for the moment) and you get the gun/knife etc out of your face

There you go, posted it a few weeks ago have used it for years worked very well in Kenya many years ago althought most here thought it was poppycock.

Cut the bottom off the cards and keep them in a old wallet in the bedside cabinet or suitable place,as and when you are unfortunate enough to be burgled the thief will take these hopefully leaving other items untouched.
Same as above keep them in a suitable wallet when on holiday if held up by the taxi driver/another robber hand over the false wallet.To make it more life like stuff it with a few thousand Turkish Lira/picture etc.

grumbler

The_Boss wrote:

...the poster has to accept that there are other opinions apart from his own.

Why has the OP to accept anything that he never argued about?

James

Tip, if you want to look after your OWN, and not the card industries interests then opt for Chip and Signature credit cards.

Thieves get around PIN obstacle

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11731365/


http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/03/08/business/data.php

grumbler

James wrote:

...Thieves get around PIN obstacle
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11731365/
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/03/08/business/data.php

In my understanding all this has nothing to do with chip-and-pin. Take a rest, James ... :coffee: