One good thing preventing Identity Theft was the invention of the Debit Card. The bad thing is, a lot of people are Old School and do not even use a debit card and if they do, they do not use it enough and still write checks.
Now I know this has Nothing really to do with domain names but I know you are human (most of you anyway) and it’s likely you have paper checks that you use to pay for things.
Think about it! The damn things have Your Address on them. Many have Phone Numbers, Your Banks Name and THE BIGGEST, Your Account Number right on them at the bottom.
Even if you use a personal check to pay bills, you do not know who process the check, opens the envelope etc. What information do you need to get checks printed? You get my point. Heck, just with the information on the check is enough for some hacker..
Just an FYI, if I were you… I wouldn’t be writing any more checks!
Scott
I had my identity stolen from someone who used my debit card. They drained my entire savings account.
Debit cards now come PRE-ACTIVATED. This means that it is very easy to steal and use. Previously you needed to receive the card and call a number. Not any more. They are good to go before they are even sealed in the envelope to be sent to you. (This is at least true with 3 banks, including two major ones. I can’t speak for the rest)
How did they get my debit card? My credit union mailed it to me and I never received it. About the time it was supposed to show up I noticed my bank account empty. I filed a formal complaint with the post office, but nothing came of it.
When I reported it to my credit union they treated me like a criminal, even actually accused me of pulling a scam. I filed a police report and filled out an affidavit. The police told me that the credit union had no choice but to honor their insurance policy if I turned in an affidavit. They did, and told me it could take 3-6 months to receive my money back. I just moved to Texas and didn’t have a job; I relied on that cash.
2 angry phone calls and 24 hours later, the cash was back in my account.
Plus, some stores are now able to run debit cards without a pin OR a signature, much like how fast food does it. This effectively kills the safety features of the debit card. Not to mention that all you need to use it online is the 3 digits on the back.
So, debit cards aren’t as safe as one would think
/spill life story
**Jamie Says**
Glad you got your money back! I agree, Debit Cards are not the safest either, but safer then Checks IMO. Cash is about the safest (as long as it’s real). I guess no matter what form of money or ways to pay are invented, scam artiest will figure out a way to make it not safe.
Leonard Britt
I recall when my bank wanted to send me a debit card which required no PIN. In the event of theft, one could make a claim and supposedly get their money back in short order. I wasn’t interested. So I still have my bank card with a required PIN which I use at the grocery store and certain stores. My mom once had her purse stolen and they quickly cleaned out her account. It still amazes me that some convenience store clerk didn’t get suspicious when the thief was in the store buying six hundred plus dollars of food items.
Leonard Britt
I noticed something odd. Earlier today I had a bold red message to the effect (not exact wording)of…”$35 SUBSCRIPTION DUE – PAY NOW” but I had not yet paid a dime. Now this evening I can visit Domaining content without even logging in?
Ms Domainer
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It’s best to use your credit card, especially in unfamiliar businesses; that way, in case of theft, you’re protected (after the first $50.00).
I rarely use my debit card or check book.
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Reece Berg
I’ve heard more than a few stories of people adding a zero digit to checks, not to mention the identity theft problem. Scary the world we live in today — google my name and the #4 result is all my contact details (stupid whois!). I try to use credit cards or virtual payment methods whenever possible. Virtual credit cards are getting popular.
RegFeeNames.com
I recently got my debit card copied and they tried to take cash out in Canada!
Lucky for me my bank noticed that I could be in two places at once!
As I was out for a meal in Glasgow, Scotland and they were trying to withdraw cash in canada!
Most companies in the UK now dont accept cheque as a way of payment unless by post ie Credit Card payment.
You cant go to stores and use your cheque book it is crazy but thats the way life goes!
I hate SCAMMERS!
Regards,
Robbie
LifelockReviews.com
I don’t use my debit card online. I would rather use a credit card and have someone abuse it than have my bank account attacked. I also use an identity theft service for added protection. It’s crazy what people will do to scam others. I expect it to get even worse now with a struggling economy.
Your Reader
Good work! Thank you!
I always wanted to write in my blog something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
Of course, I will add backlink?
Sincerely, Timur I.