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

Un0riginal

I always cover (usually with my wallet since I already have it in my hand so I could get my card out). Security first!

Decorian

I'm not embarrassed, I always shield my pin, and touch every button. This guards against not only people but cameras.
There are even heat sensitive cameras that can read the slightly warmer keys if you shield your pin, then move your hands away immediately after.

This is more an issue for ATMs as they can have false fronts put on, to clone your card and film / heat photo your pin.
My view is, it happens, so guard yourself.

I also love the idea about writing false pins down and putting it in your wallet, getting the thief to block each card himself, what a great idea.
I'm going to invent some false pins now.

I invented some:
8068
8716
7823

Reading 2 digits at a time, downwards, in decimal ASCII codes this is:
PWND "data escape" "end of message"

I realise no thief will get my joke, but if they do steal my wallet, at least I'll feel better.

nzseries1

Decorian wrote: »

I also love the idea about writing false pins down and putting it in your wallet, getting the thief to block each card himself, what a great idea.

I like the idea in principle, but what if your wallet was eventually found by the police, and it transpired that you had a four-digit number written in your wallet, whether it was your actual pin or not. I'm not sure I would want to have to go through the hassle of proving that that was just a fake pin, and not my real pin, in order to get my money back.

glider3560

I always hold my wallet in my left hand, which is also used to hold the device in place (this always ensures I'm covering the number). Right hand to enter number.

I couldn't help but cringe at "pin numbers" in Martin's blog which reads "personal identification number numbers" :cool:

sassysar

I type really fast and hope for the best

jamesd

Place one finger on each of the next two digits. Press on them in the correct order. To identify the correct order someone will need to see the very small pressing movement.

Remember also that contactless payment cards automatically compromise your card details to anyone who has a high power scanner anywhere near you and who's trying to harvest card details.

BobbinAlong

I too hold my wallet in my left hand to obscure the keypad and also make sure my body is positioned to block a view. In my local Sainsbury's some cashiers make a point of winding the flex around the holder to make you think the pad is fixed in. I always make a point of removing it and unwinding it (with a few sharp tugs) just to annoy them as it's company policy that the keypad can be removed.
I also tend to get cash as supermarket cash back as it's more secure than holes in the wall.

luckymannn

Haha this thread is a very good point!
I don't like to show that anything bothers me so I kinda feel if I hide my pin at a checkout with my other hand that I'm being petty or showing a weakness ("I'm a man nobody would ever mess with me anyway", sort of thing).
I feel more awkward than embarrassed, unless that's the same thing.

I did nearly kick off about a month ago in ASDA cos some bloke was basically stood right next to me whilst I put my pin in and I could see him out the corner of my eye looking my way. I don't think he was doing it to be a theif, I think he was just being ignorant / day dreaming / an idiot. So I gave him a nasty look and he stepped back a bit, if he hadn't of stepped back I definitely would of said something.

But generally I just angle the thing slightly, step closer to it, and put my code in quick with most my hand covering the numbers. But I definitely don't hide it as well as i should!!

jimmyt

I have always mistrusted Chip and Pin.I think the old signature method was much better.I sometimes really want to tell people how silly thay are letting others see their pin number.If I was a mugger I would be rich by now!
I always take the machine and hold it close.Also I go in the bank to use a cash point.

JRsrule

Not at all. There were continuous reports of people having their cards cloned and accounts emptied after buying petrol at a garage near to where I live. After some time, it was found that there was a tiny camera in the ceiling over the PIN machine which could see what number you keyed in, and a tiny device attached to the machine which could read and copy your cards. The staff concerned only got caught because it happened so often that it finally flagged up that it was this particular garage and caused a proper investigation.

However little or however much you have, it's yours! Look after it!