We had a debit card compromised and they cleaned out an account. Not exactly the same as hacking the bank account. But it took sometime to get fixed. They do not have the same protections as a credit card.

I use my debit card for one thing only: withdrawing cash at my bank's ATM. It's never used for anything else because of the above.

Never my bank account but my ATM/debit card was twice in the past 3 weeks. (and many times in past years)

First was local and used to western union someone $110. I saw it, called and had the card cancelled.

Got the new card a week ago and today noticed that someone ordered something from Amazon.UK for $10.80.

Again, new card cancelled. A major PIA. Have no idea how the amazon.uk transaction is possible. Been chatting with customer service at amazon for 30 minutes. they have no idea and say they cant see the amazon UK system.....so what, i have to call england for this?

Yeah, how they got my wife's SS# is still a mystery... and as you asked, did having it help them get that account created at my bank? Seems like they would need both.

I'll call the fraud division again see if they have any ideas.

Like Kurt, I only use my debit card to get cash at my bank's ATM. Wife doesn't have a debit card.

Of course, for at least 5 years, we've all been alerted to being observant when using a debit card so we don't put it in a slot with a skimmer in it.

Not really.

Too many people like Medical Offices ask for SS#'s these days and too many people just give it up.

The only reason they "need" the number is too make it easier to track you down if you don't pay your bills.

I was interviewing a new Chiro once and decided to use them. On the client setup form they asked for it and I left it blank.

Got into a back and forth about it and the office manager said their billing package required it.

I said fine, I'll be a cash customer and pay before each session.

She still insisted so I said OK, I will need a copy of the background check of all employees and to audit their computer systems security suites plus a copy of their documented information handling protocols along with their documented staff training procedures.

Suffice it to say, I'm still looking for a back cracker.

If it's not a bank or other financial institution or the government don't go handing over your SS# to everyone that asks.

My sitch is unusual...my employer got hacked and the perps got ALL my info...All OF IT.