Phyllis,

Times have definitely changed, unfortunately. I am glad though that you were able to stop the card without being charged. I generally use my debit card for purchases and in most stores I am required to show photo ID also.

A small step that will give you a bit of additional security is not to sign the back but print "see photo ID". You will have to carry photo ID that way, but if the cards don't match it helps. Also you can use a card with a photo on it. When I go fishing I just carry a color copy of my drivers license, fishing license and a $20 bill in a water tight container. Might not work in the big city, but works well here in the sticks.

Something else we did when Lesley had her purse stoken a few years ago was to "lock" our credit files after notifing the card companies. The paperwork is a pain in the *** but worth it.

One last thing: when that happened, we had a copy of everything in our wallets in our safe. Sure made it easier to get a new license and cards.

Hey Phyl

This event reminded me of something that my Aunts and sisters would have probably jokingly said when i was a kid,.. "Next time keep your cards and money in your Indian purse"..LOL I hope you can probably guess where that is??

Tom

maybe you can get a plastic holder with a clip or pin and pin it in your pocket. Glad it was only one card and that you are not responsible for the "thief"

My car got broken into twice, the first time they took the radio w Cd player and my CD's.. really ransacked the car. they hit 3 cars in the lot.

I get really "furious" over acts like this.. and someone using your card..

AAAARGH

I think I've probably moved back into a cave. After my stroke, my credit card company put the debt I owed them on hold as I had bought that convenience. However, what they don't tell you is they raise their interest up to 30%. After watching Chris Hanson on Dateline about credit card fraud, I don't think I will get another credit card. Also, credit card companies will now raise your interest rate if you are late paying bills to other accounts that have nothing to do w/ them. I know, if you pay your bills ont time, you have nothing to worry about but I think this is just wrong. There are just too many ways credit card companies can "getcha."

Thieves take your card or they just get your number and security # and sell that--and the magnetic masking? that's gold to them. People buy things on-line w/ just the number and sometimes are required to provide the security #. When you buy on-line you are not required to provide a signature and a photo ID doesn't work in this scenario. This type of theft is rampant and costs the consumer billions of dollars a year.

Finally, when I was general manger, I reconciled the credit card accounts for the front desk. The round up of figures makes an unbelieveable profit to the credit card companies. So, the advertisments for the credit card company that rounds up your purchases and places the change into your savings account? Believe me, they are making bookos of money off you on the round up figures from the interest rate and the interest rate on the change they so nicely place in your savings account.

Take Care. LK