Using debit card to buy ticket in cybercafe!!

loulou41

I know it is not advisable but my son had no option but to use NW his debit card in Colombia from an internet cafe to buy a single ticket from American Airlines to UK. I am bit concerned in case his card is now exposed to fraud from overseas. Should I be concerned, surely, the AA website must be secure even if it is a public computer? I was also thinking when he gets back, may be he should get a new his debit card. Am I being paranoid or just be cautious? Thanks

wayoflife

You are right to be concerned, but do not worry too much.

These are the things you must do...

1) Ring your bank/building society and get them to send out another card, you must do this straight away. This will automatically change the long number accross the front.

2) If you are very concerned then you can open a new account, many banks/building societys do this with just a couple of signatures, iw may be a little bit of hassle, but weigh this up with the possiblility of fraud on his account

3) Also speak to them about it and make sure they put an note on his file... companies now are very concerned with fraud (unless its Halifax lol) and will make sure something is put on the system. Make sure you highlight the importance of it and request there is a permenant note on there. They have to be maticulous with these things due to the data protection act.

4) make sure you speak to him about doing things like this. Explain that he cannot do this, as there is too much risk and if he wants to buy something them to call you at home e.t.c.
Although it usually is a secure connection, there is always an increased chance that soemthing could happen rather than using your computer at home.
You can wire transfer money anywhere in the world in an emergency so give him peace of mind with that.

The bottom line is not to worry, but you need to be pro-active and put these measures into place as soon as you can.

Hope ive been of help!!

student100

I would worry even less than the poster above. I've used my card in similar circumstances (OK in France not Colombia) with no problems. Just keep a close eye on statements/online banking and notify the bank immediately if you notice anything suspicious.

The chances are it was perfectly secure and nothing bad will happen. Although there is definitely an increased risk (for instance if there was malicious software on the PC he was using), so just be alert.

You can get *too* paranoid to the point of it disrupting a normal life...

Voyager2002

I must say, this will have been one of the less risky things your son did in Colombia! (I lived there for a year, and got robbed three times in the first three months; run over once; a colleague was kidnapped... but it remains the best country I have ever visited.)

Yes, there is a small risk of fraud, and I wish he had used a credit card rather than a debit card. Changing the card number (as suggested in #2) would protect him from fraud, but will he need to use his card again in the near future? If so, balance the risk of fraud against the inconvenience of being somewhere else on his travels and unable to get at his money.

I must say, I think the risk is fairly low. I have used credit cards at cyber cafes in all sorts of places: India, Philippines, China, and none of these activities have led to attempted fraud.

loulou41

Thanks for all your response. He has used his debit card because that's the only one he has got. I had to cancel his credit card as it was used fraudulently without his knowledge in Guatemala. I only noticed it when I was checking his online banking. He should be back in August from Ecuador, I think for my peace of mind, I will ask him to change the card. Thanks.