Are we being sold the fear of ID fraud? Blog Discussion

hss

I would like to add my comments about this. I recently was the victim of debit card fraud, where someone had used the details OVER THE PHONE, to order goods from Argos and pay a BT bill. The first I was aware was when I received my bank statement and couldn't remember using my card for these.
In particular, I use my debit card less often than my credit card and only use my debit card for cashback when paying at the supermarket, over the counter at my local 'bank' or VERY OCCASIONALLY the ATM INSIDE the branch. It is also used when paying by cheque for authorisation. I NEVER buy over the internet and am so careful about my security. My husband would say I was a bit paranoid when using it.
My main concern though is with all this hype and publicity about the chip & pin, are you aware that when you pay by debit or credit cards, we, the customer, are given back the copy where some numbers have been **** out, yet the RETAILERS MERCHANT COPY has ALL the numbers, including the EXPIRY DATE, therefore any dishonest member of staff could steal a slip or copy it and pass it onto a gang.
Out of curiousity, we thought we would pay our phone bill over the phone using my husbands debit card, and at NO TIME did we speak to a human voice. It was all automated, just pushing the numbers on the keypad on your phone, including those 3 numbers on the reverse of the card.
Is it any wonder then that it can be so easy to commit these crimes over the phone when no-one is asking for even the name/address of the cardholder?
I DO WISH MARTIN WOULD READ THIS AND START A CAMPAIGN. Afterall what is the point of remembering your chip & pin, when you don't even need it over the phone?
I am happy to say my money has now been refunded, nearly £500, (and hopefully those responsible caught??), but I assumed either the FSA or OFT were responsible for the rules and regulations, but they are not and didn't want to know.
PLEASE can someone change this so that WE THE CUSTOMER are given the slip with all the numbers and the retailer get the ones with the numbers ***. Better still, make ALL COPIES *** so no-one can steal them.
Finally, Wetherspoons actually offered (and I accepted) to exchange my copy for theirs because I noticed it had all the numbers printed and told them I had been a victim of fraud. I feel if we demanded other retailers did the same, it would then not be so easy for this crime to be committed.
MARTIN PLEASE HELP. Start a campaign! Speak on Jeremy Vine's prog. because no-one seems aware of this. Thank you.

A_penny_saved_3

It is interesting that Chip and Pin was promoted as a security measure yet I recently received a flyer from the bank telling me that Chip and Pon made it easier for tyhe unscrupulous to steal my identity and I should therefore subscribe to their insurance scheme.... As you say, promote the fear and then rake in the profits!

Thanks for so much useful advice.

IvanOpinion

Personally I think it is all being excessively over hyped .. there has always been a risk of identity theft and fraud, it is just that in this day and age with electronic technology things can happen faster and with less validation.

It reminds me of the hype over computer viruses etc. .. I sometimes wonder are the only people devleoping these viruses possibly the virus detection software companies?

Ivan

spender

I paid for our summer holiday over the telephone with my daughters interest free credit card (Over £2,000). I was absolutely horrified to find the system automated and the card credited for my holiday especially since my daughter has a different surname that does not relate to anybody going on the holiday.

System

spender wrote:

I paid for our summer holiday over the telephone with my daughters interest free credit card (Over £2,000). I was absolutely horrified to find the system automated and the card credited for my holiday especially since my daughter has a different surname that does not relate to anybody going on the holiday.

Yes thats happened to me, MrJudi has placed an online order using my credit card details (with my permission of course because i get cashback on it). Makes you shudder dunnit?

clipboard2

If ever I Became a card thief, I'd head straight down to Tesco. Their self service checkouts simply invite you to slide your plastic down the slot. Payment is taken frfom the card. Receipt comes out of the machine. No signature or pin number required. Voila! What could be easier!!

wigginsmum

Someone phoned Abbey National, impersonating DH, and managed to steal a month's salary. We never did get an explanation or an apology (try talking to their Fraud Dept in India!), although the bank eventually refunded the money into a new account. Caused us no end of aggro trying to survive that month.

lola_r_hamster

hss wrote:

My main concern though is with all this hype and publicity about the chip & pin, are you aware that when you pay by debit or credit cards, we, the customer, are given back the copy where some numbers have been **** out, yet the RETAILERS MERCHANT COPY has ALL the numbers, including the EXPIRY DATE, therefore any dishonest member of staff could steal a slip or copy it and pass it onto a gang.

I have been done this way - when paying for a take-away. The first i knew was when my card company called me up at 9pm to ask whether i had just purchased a fridge/freezer and tv costing a few grand on some sky shopping channel - as it didnt match my usual shopping habits??? - they know so much about us it can be frightening

Luckily the daft prat requested that it was delivered to his home address???? so apart from a police statement the credit card company sorted it all out.

Unfortunetly, as he is a member of the family, he continues to work at the local takeaway!:eek:

My advise - watch out for the little man - as he will get smarter- , as well as the gangs.;)

lola_r_hamster

clipboard2 wrote:

If ever I Became a card thief, I'd head straight down to Tesco. Their self service checkouts simply invite you to slide your plastic down the slot. Payment is taken frfom the card. Receipt comes out of the machine. No signature or pin number required. Voila! What could be easier!!

Then dont forget to fill up at asda automated petrol pump - no pin required just pop you stolen card in and fill up your stolen car - it's too easy :eek:

LOL

Greenwellies_2

clipboard2 wrote:

If ever I Became a card thief, I'd head straight down to Tesco. Their self service checkouts simply invite you to slide your plastic down the slot. Payment is taken frfom the card. Receipt comes out of the machine. No signature or pin number required. Voila! What could be easier!!

That happened to me on a self service train ticket machine.

I put my barclaycard in, which didn't have a chip, and it just gave me the tickets. No signing nothing

I was so scared to have the card on me after that.

GW