I just got an email from a company that I recently made an online purchase from, informing me that some actor got into their system and was logging CC info when customers made purchases. 722 customers were compromised, and I was one of them. This company notified their customers the minute they discovered it, so that says alot about them. So I had to cancel my card and order another one. They took the high road and gave me a store credit that will never expire, so life goes on in the online world. But its a good reminder to NEVER use a debit card for online sales, these dirtbags could have emptied my account had they got my debit card info. I cannot convince my wife or my kids to NOT use a debit card, maybe they'll listen to me now.
Why I NEVER shop with a debit card
- Thread starter dockmurgw
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Funflyer
Member
Sometimes it doesn't matter where you use the card. Several years ago my wife's debit card no. was used to make a few jewelry purchases in Italy, and she only used it to make withdrawals at our bank's atm, never anywhere else. Turned out that it was an inside job by a few Wells Fargo bank employees.
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Ivan the Butcher
Member
My brother and I keep debit cards at close to zero balance. Then when we want to purchase something we transfer money in to cover the expected item or trip budget. After a shopping season, we "lose" the cards and get fresh numbers.
Ivan
Ivan
Ghost Magnum
Member
I only put money on the card when I am ready to use it.
I have a company checking account debit card, personal checking debit card, visa Blue Saphire business credit card, and a visa personal credit card. I try to buy everything for my business with the Blue Saphire card instead of writing checks, and I will look at the balance on my phone almost everyday. If there is ever a problem I just click on "dispute charge" and they will call me or send me an email saying they informed the vendor they won't be paying that charge and he has one week to respond with proof that he deserves to be paid. I've had several charges over the years that were fraud or businesses signing me up for some type of subscription for something without my permission and every single time my money was refunded and the vendor never said a word. It's easy and no hassle and I had enough credit card points last year to buy a nice Bass Pro Gunsafe and a Ten point crossbow. This year we're using all the credit card points to buy Christmas presents and take a trip to the beach in Belize. My personal debit card account never has over a few hundred in it but I'm still nervous when I use it and afraid that someone may steal the money out the account.
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Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
I use my debit card mostly for groceries. I never keep more than a few hunnert in that account.
I went to an in-service class many years ago. An Assistant DA was lecturing on fraud. She asked who had debit cards. Whoever raised their hand she told them to get rid of them. At the time those were the most stolen type of card, followed by credit cards, ATM cards were rarely ever stolen. I told one if my coworkers that and he just laughed it off. I swear within two weeks he came in in a panic, his card had been skimmed and they hit his bank acct pretty hard. One of the officers I worked with was on light duty in records division, he said it was unbelievable how many were stolen, he got rid of his. things might have changed in the last few years but no way would I own one.
I'm thinking about one of those credit cards that get you airline miles. However, they aren't tied to with any particular airline. I think Venture is the one I see on TV all the time.
Any idea how those work? I will probably never try to use miles to get free trips, but to upgrade the seats on company paid business trips. I burned up a bunch of points upgrading my seat on my last trip, it was a much better experience. It would be nice to not have to fly steerage-class again.
Any idea how those work? I will probably never try to use miles to get free trips, but to upgrade the seats on company paid business trips. I burned up a bunch of points upgrading my seat on my last trip, it was a much better experience. It would be nice to not have to fly steerage-class again.
I've had a Bank/Debit card 20 + years and never had a problem with it. But, I only use it at my banks ATM's or inside the bank to get cash. Credit cards offer a lot more consumer protection.
DWalt
Member
I don't see any advantage to using a Debit card, and even if there was, I still wouldn't want one. Why risk the possibility of giving someone a direct pipeline into your bank account?
OK, I'll probably jinx myself here, but we've used our debit cards daily, for virtually everything (except travel related expenses) for well over 20 years without an issue. I'm sure it's just a matter of time, but our bank offers a zero loss guarantee if loss or fraud is reported promptly. Since I receive an immediate alert on my phone every time the card is used, that won't be a problem either. I can't imagine carrying a wad of cash in my wallet for everyday expenses or (shudder) writing a check for anything, but I was an early adopter of online banking too, and haven't kept a check register in 20 years. About the only "precaution" I take is not having overdraft protection from one account to another but that's not an issue since, at the touch of a button, I know exactly how much is in my accounts at any given minute. Over the same number of years, I've actually had more fraud issues with credit cards (twice), also resolved with no loss. It pays to be careful, but I think you can overthink this stuff. Not for everybody, for sure, but my "finances" are probably much simpler than most.
Good shootin',
Doug
P.S. I remember my grandmother didn't like to discuss travel plans on the telephone because she was worried a potential burglar would listen in and know when she wasn't home. Times and technology change.
Good shootin',
Doug
P.S. I remember my grandmother didn't like to discuss travel plans on the telephone because she was worried a potential burglar would listen in and know when she wasn't home. Times and technology change.
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I will never get one all I ever here about is the sad story from others how it failed them
Here all we have a debit cards, come with a Visa facility but most without.
The banks introduced them over 20 years ago to stop the deadbeats from writing cheques with no money in their accounts.
The banks introduced them over 20 years ago to stop the deadbeats from writing cheques with no money in their accounts.
We have debit cards with both credit union's in town.
This summer both of my wife's cards were hacked, both C.U.s took care of them, returned our money and removed overdraft fee's as soon as we called them.
Since I pay with mine almost every time we're not sure how they got her info and not mine, and we never use two cards at the same time.
This summer both of my wife's cards were hacked, both C.U.s took care of them, returned our money and removed overdraft fee's as soon as we called them.
Since I pay with mine almost every time we're not sure how they got her info and not mine, and we never use two cards at the same time.
^^^^^^^^ This is exactly what my wife and I do. Agree that credit cards are a lot safer.
Don
S&WIowegan
US Veteran
My wife and I chopped our debit cards up recently and replaced them with ATM cards. We use ATM to deposit checks and draw cash. Someone tried to raid our checking account for a huge number but the bank spotted it and prevented any loss. I wanted to discuss how this could have even come close but the bank refused to discuss. I suspected bank employee(s) were the culprits.
Ugh. I got a call from my bank. I have had an ATM card since they came out. They are the least stolen type card out there. You are limited where you can use them though. My bank informed me that they are becoming obsolete and are switching all the old holdouts to debit cards. Progress I guess.
VaTom
Member
Wise advice. Use credit card for on line purchases, travel, etc. Only use debit locally. Always carry cash for smaller purchases. Call the bank and file a travel plan for your cards when going on trip domestic or overseas. They will put a notice on your account and will help detect fraud. Carry two different cards when travelling in case one gets blocked for fraud or gets lost.
Whatever happened to travellers checks?
Never had a ATM card, I can get in plenty of trouble with just pocket cash, credit card(no debit cards) and my check book!
I would be finding a new bank if all they have is a debit card!
