[jyl]

I've had my credit or debit card numbers stolen about once a year. So aggravating.

I get an email whenever my cards are used for a transaction that is not face to face. So I usually discover and report the fraud to the company within hours of the first purchase. Last time the thief spent about $4,500 in that time. The card company always reimburses me, no trouble, except that having your card cancelled is a pain. Especially if you're traveling.

I really, really wish we had chip and PIN cards. The USA is going to chip and signature, which doesn't seem as secure.

Apparently the retailer will now bear the cost of fraud, if they haven't installed chip reading equipment. This doesn't address online purchases, though.

There are many ways to steal a card number. Database breaches. Keypad sniffers. The waiter can write down your card number and CCV code (the three digit number on the back of the card). I've taken to scratching off that CCV number.

As for online passwords, remembering them all is a nightmare. I use the Dashlane app.