[J-Mac]

The most compromiseable card reader is usually the car wash keypad unit, usually round back of the shop. The one time I used it was the second time my card was skimmed. I usually go to Chevron or Shell for gas but I always check the card reader for a tight fit, looking too new etc. The one time I didn’t do the check at the pump I was in a hurry and yes was skimmed out in remote Carmel Valley. I used to work in the credit card payments industry. In the banks mind the merchant is always at fault and the onus is on them to prove no fraud. So you are always safe from that angle. But never ever use a debit card, period, to purchase. Just for ATM at the bank’s ATM. I am very sure your telephone number is not stored on your card. In the US the most likely place to get skimmed is in a restaurant or bar where they take your card away from you. In Europe they have to bring the card reader to your table, you swipe or tap it and then you input your PIN - well it was that way when I was there two years ago. But your credit card doesn’t leave your hand.