Delete CVV number?

waterbaby

At least I think that's what it's called; the three digit security code on the back of credit cards.

I was just reading an article which gave the standard advice of 'don't let your card out of your sight', so that bad people can't clone your card and copy your CVV number.

It occurred to me, would it be a good move to make it unreadable? Scratch it off or something? I have a good memory for numbers, and I use the number regularly to purchase phone credit so I won't forget it.

There is no situation in which I would actually need to show it to somebody, is there?

Rover

I think the CCV number is only refered to in 'remote' transactions, ie. internet and phone purchases.

So you could erase it I suppose, don't think I would though!
For all cases of fraud and cloning, you are not liable - your issuing card company covers that automatically.

nrsql

>> For all cases of fraud and cloning, you are not liable
With chip and pin that's becomming a bit less true (at least more difficult to agree). The point of the pin is so that the card owner gets the blame if it's used and issuers will be less willing to accept fraud.

Not that that's the aim of the pin (for which shops all seem to have very exposed keypads) - it's all to do with security and safeguarding the cardholder. Oh yes!
Think I'll move back to cash transactions when they stop allowing me to sign a bit of paper.

waterbaby

Even if I am not liable though, I would rather not have the problem in the first place. I wouldn't do it for every card I have though! Not quite that confident!

If someone cloned or stole a card, would they be able to access any personal info (name, address, DOB...)?

grumbler

waterbaby wrote:

If someone cloned or stole a card, would they be able to access any personal info (name, address, DOB...)?

I don't think so. How? There is no such information stored in the card.
I agree with you about security number. I always paint mine over with a black permanent marker. After this it is still readable, but difficult to read. Of course, you can memorize and erase it as it is used only for online and phone transactions.

daveboy

Just remember though, that there are still shops that can only take payment by signature rather than PIN, and that tampering with the signature strip could lead to a retailer refusing to accept payment.

Obviously over the course of the rest of this year this will become less of a problem - once Chip and PIN are fully implemented I think it's a good idea, certainly something I hadn't thought of doing.

Rafter

It is also worth registering for 'verified from visa'

More and more online retailers are using this now.

You basically set up an additional password with your bank and when you make an online purchase you will receive a pop up from your bank asking for your additional password and it will prove the transaction is genuine by playing back a sentance you have only ever shared with your bank. In other words,

As daveboy says, if the retailer does a telephone check in store on a major purchase, and the CVV number has been removed it probably won't be authorised.

Another option is to keep one card for Online and phone purchases only and never let it leave your house.

link here for verified by visa scheme.

http://www.visaeurope.com/iusevisa/shoppingonline.html?src=home_page_opportunity


R.

student100

Even with C&P, retailers are still supposed to check that the card hasn't been tampered with, so I wouldn't recommend scratching numbers off...

Chris2000

grumbler wrote:

I don't think so. How? There is no such information stored in the card.

Your name is stored on the magnetic strip and the chip. Some retailers including Asda print it on the credit card receipt. Not really a security concern for lost/stolen cards, since it's already printed on the front of the card, but this probably makes it easier for skimmers.

I don't expect the address will be stored on the card, not least because it could change, but for many people with an uncommon name, a simple search of an online phone book will reveal a likely address.

I also doubt if the CVV is stored on the card.