Debit card fraud - remove CVV code?
 

So irritating!

For the second time in six months, there have been unauthorized online charges on my debit card. I get an emailed alert whenever my debit card is used online, so I called and blocked the card against future use, but now I have to deal with getting $514 of charges reversed and being without a debit card for awhile.

I assume this probably means that someone at a retail business where I hand over my card for them to run (e.g. a restaurant), as opposed to my doing the swipe/PIN (e.g. a Starbucks or Home Depot), wrote down the card info and then went to Match.com and on an online shoe shopping spree.

Suppose I obliterate the CVV code on the back of my card? I'd record it somewhere else, for when I need it. Would that help prevent this sort of fraud? Is there any downside to doing that? Do retailers use that code?

Stop using a debit card and switch to a credit card that you pay and use just as you would the debit card.

I suspect killing the cvv2 on the back would help since many/most sites require it these days, but not all sites do. It would probably cut way down on your issues, but may not stop them. Heck, even just putting a little paint on top of the cvv2. Then they would have to scrape it off and if you got the card back with the paint removed, you'd know that someone was up to no good.

Your bank should be able to instantly issue you a temporary card at any of its branches. ...

Nah. Not so bad.
Imagine having this problem AND living in Mississippi and being obese.
Now THAT would be a problem.

:)

If I used a credit card, wouldn't the person still be able to record the card number and CVV code, and then use it to make an unauthorized online purchase? Why is that any better for me than the debit card?

Good idea about simply covering the CVV code with paint (or correction fluid or nail polish.)

Because with a debit card, the money is already gone. You fight to get it back.

With a credit card, you notice the discrepancy on the statement, dispute the charge, and don't pay that amount. No money out-of-pocket.
Credit card issuer has a reason to get it resolved ASAP, as they now have skin in the game.

That's why I refuse to use debit cards.

Latest scam are people taking pics of the front and back of the CC while in their possession....waiters, etc...

That makes sense.

I still think it's worth it as long as you get to eat that strawberry bread pudding everyday.






.

Another good reason to use only credit cards is they (at least the Master Card I use) monitor your cards activity closely for "unusual" charges and will call you to verify if the charges are valid. On 4 or 5 occasions over the past couple of years I have been called by Master Card fraud wanting to verify some charges that were made were valid - they weren't. No, I didn't just charge 2 one-way tickets from Melbourne to Hong Kong (this during Chinese New Year). If fraudulent, they will immediately cancel the card and issue a new one..
It is a pain to have a card cancelled but it sure beats having massive charges run up and getting a big surprise when you get your statement.

+1 about the CREDIT card thing.

The credit card isn't 'real' money. I try not to use the debit card except at the ATM.

Use your credit card and EXPECT it to be dirty, and just stay on top of it and that's about as safe as it's going to get.

Yep, debit card, the bad guys take YOUr money. Credit card, they take imaginary money. Having a credit card get stolen sucks but much, much less than a debit card.

I've had my credit card compromised a few times, I fill out a form with my credit union telling them that I didn't make the charges, they cancel the card and send me a new one. For me it's a bit inconvenient since they don't have a branch anywhere near me so I have to get it mailed. Even with FedEx it takes a day or two. That's the extent of my grief. No worrying about my money in my account.

My bank does the exact same thing with my debit card. Just happened last month: had a few weird charges for small amounts (scammers use this to "test" the card and security). Bank called me, asked if I'd made the charges, I told them no, and they cancelled the card. Called me about 10pm if I remember correctly. And that's one of the reasons I love USAA; been with them nearly 20 years now.

What were we talking about again?

American credit cards payments are just showing intent to pay unless you have second thoughts. That is a peculiarity of US consumer protection laws, I understand. Credit card holders issued in other countries don't have that protection, even if they are Visa or Master Cards. A US debit card on the other hand, even if it is run by Visa or Master Card, is like cash. Once the payment is out of your hands there is no recourse.

The down side to this- A few guys on a pilot's board I visit have had their credit card denied while trying to buy airplane gas. Seems buying gas in one state, then buying gas a few hours later in another state a thousand miles away sends red flags for CC fraud, when all a guy is trying to do is fly his airplane across country.

That's a Homeland Security thing. Keeping you safe or whatever.

This has happened to me. I had a rash of denieds last year on my corporate card since I was doing a lot of state jumping. I have my card's fraud dept direct line on my cell.

Ian

If you're going to be traveling, some cards and banks have a way for you to let them know in advance so they don't deny charges.

Bull Schiess

Unfortunately a few months ago someone from Luxembourg gained access to my Capitol One Debit card.. they did the aforementioned test uses... a few bucks for a few transactions to test the card.... then they went into full charge mode...

Capital One shut down the attack within seconds, cancelling my card, They issued me a temp card at a local branch the next day, when I discovered upon trying to use my card at an ATM that is was denied..

They also credited my account for the charges the thief tried to post... a little more than $1500


While it was a pain in the butt for a few days... A US Banks Debit Card (Mastercard) had fraud protection was in place and worked well