'Are you embarrassed to hide your pin code when paying in shops?' blog discussion

VT82

I always cover up, even at a seemingly deserted ATM - there could be a hidden camera or someone using binoculars. It takes no effort, and there is no need to be embarassed. Just get used to entering your PIN blind.

nzseries1

Martin, Martin, Martin...

"Bazinga" means "you've just been the victim of a Sheldon joke"... it doesn't mean "there you have it" or anything similar, and I know that you know that

I always try and shield my pin. I do try a bit of stealthy "put fingers on many numbers but only push the one that's relevant" to try and disguise it. But ultimately, if people see me shield my pin, I don't mind.

vax2002

As the machines are so easily hacked in to, anyone accused of having your pin seen should download the research paper from the university and ask the bank why the machine can be hacked in to so easily with items found in most handbags...
They used a cheaper security option than recommended leaving the data unencrypted.

nearlyrich

I have been known to ask the person behind me to step back whilst I put my PIN in, I'm short and having a six foot bloke hanging over my shoulder is pretty unsettling, one got a bit shirty till I pointed out that I was not planning to put my number in till he moved back. I value the security of my pin and only I know the pins for my cards.

elisebutt65

cazbie16 wrote: »

I usually put my purse in my free hand and pretend I'm steadying the machine in shops. At atms I just lean in really close but still use my purse as a shield. I don't care what other people think, I don't have loads of money, but I'm sure as hell going to protect what little I do have!

That's exactly what I do - I have a huge purse - LOL

I can't hide the buttons under my fingers as I always then get the buttons wrong!

minerva_windsong

I will shield it at an ATM but not in a shop; not sure why exactly, I think it just feels rude. That said I quite like the purse idea and might start using that one...

tagq2

minerva_windsong wrote: »

I will shield it at an ATM but not in a shop; not sure why exactly, I think it just feels rude. That said I quite like the purse idea and might start using that one...

Think of it this way: if someone accidentally notices your PIN, that puts an extra burden on them. They may have to decide whether to warn you. If there is evidence of wrong-doing at the shop and they are staff, their honest answer to "Did you find out anyone's PIN by watching them enter it?" would be "yes". This might act against them.

It's in the interests of the innocent that private information isn't revealed to them, so you're doing them a favour to hide it from them. You can even explain this if someone gets shirty.

ScarletBea

Always shield it, wherever it is.

I also always pull the card slot on an ATM to see if it's the proper one, hehe

MoneySavingUser

@Martin - does Mrs MSE know your pin numbers?

Jammi

I'm usually more concerned to keep my pin out of the shop assistant's view. However most shop assistants are polite enough to step back or look away as you enter your numbers. Dodgy shop assistants are more likely to defraud you by making a note of your number, and by slight of hand place your card in a copying device. That's not usually a problem now as the card is hardly ever handed over. Still you cant be sure that the pin pad hasn't been tampered with. For that reason I only use my cards in major retail shops.

I generally take a relaxed attitude to card security. When I'm in a queue my body provides enough cover from any curios eyes and I rarely feel the need to cover the pad any further. Even if anyone catches a glimpse, my numbers are of no use to them without my card, and I am big enough and look mean enough to prevent any opportunist wallet snatcher.

I have often wondered about the overhead security cameras in many shops and how the staff could potentially view all those numbers being entered, by rolling back the tape or watching it in real time. While it might provide assurance to the shop assistant to have it placed directly over them, it doesn't inspire confidence in the customer who has to enter their security details in full view of the camera.