The day before yesterday I had lunch with a friend. We each picked up our own checks, and each of us used the same bank debit card. The next day, I went to the grocery store and spent a few bucks, checking out with the debit card and MY OWN passcode. Then my wife and I went to lunch, and I paid with the debit. The signature slip came back with my friend's name on it, so I checked the card and sure enough, we had each been given the wrong check and card. I called my buddy immediately, and we arranged to meet this morning to exchange cards, and I paid him the difference in our meals and for my cat food.

My concern was the passcode. Mine is (was) firearms related, Bob barely knows which end of the gun the bullet comes out of. It was highly unlikely that we had the same code.

This drove home to me that these cards are NOT secure. I'm terminating the debit portion of my bank account, and switching to all credit cards now. Yeah, I know, cash is king, etc, but I have good reasons for doing what I do. And credit cards are far more secure than debit cards.

So, you were able to use his card punching in your own password? Was he able to use your card using his password? Very bizarre.

It does sound bizarre. I wonder if, because the passcode didn't work, the establishments automatically processed it as credit card transactions.

Debit cards with a chip, can be utilized by inserting the card and pressing a key on the keypad that "bypasses" the PIN. (at POS)

I am not certain if it applies to a "chip" credit card or if it is only "debit" cards. (and no idea at all about pre-paid cards)

If someone finds a card, and attempts to use it, bypassing the PIN, it will either process or decline (based on funds, or the processor/merchant's method of charging. So- yes, one can find themselves losing funds.

Ironic, that the "chipped" cards were "touted" a being more secure.

Secure for whom? The card holder, the merchant or the financial institution that issues the card?

The real PSA is never use a debit card for anything other than the ATM, preferably at the bank who issued.

It's remarkable after all these years this is still an issue.

^^^^^^
This right here, George. When Debit Cards first came out, I was still in my IT years. My boss/best friend and I discussed these cards and determined from the get-go that security on them wasn't worth a tinker's damn. I wouldn't EVER use a Debit Card, but if I did, it would be used as you described. Use it for "every day shopping"? Oh hell no!!!

I have one Debit Card. It was issued by the financial institution where I do my banking. When I opened my account there, I told them that I did not want a debit card ("instrument of the devil," I said), but they told me that

• It is the only way that I can access their ATM,
  
  
• It is used at the counter to identify me for all face-to-face transactions with a cashier -- other legit forms of ID are accepted, but details have to be entered manually, while the debit card can just be swiped,
  
  
• The card can be locked via either the website or the smartphone / tablet app. If locked, it is useless for everything except ID for in-person transactions at a branch, it does not need to be unlocked for that purpose. I do see that as a weakness in the system. A miscreant who gets her / his hands on the card can make a cash withdrawal at the counter.

I have never needed to use the ATM and on the very rare occasions that I need to do a transaction in the branch I use a passport card for ID, so my debit card remains locked and tucked away at home.

3006, 3030, and 4570 are not good pass codes if people know you’re a gun guy. Those are the first numbers I’d try. Then I’d be on to Winchester and Browning model numbers. Mauser, Springfield, and Enfields would be next.

This is EXACTLY why I have an ATM Card only...and NOT a Debit Card. If my ATM Card is lost or stolen, I'm out nothing and simply need to get a new card, while if your Debit Card is lost or stolen, someone can empty your bank account(s)!

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:

This is EXACTLY why I have an ATM Card only...and NOT a Debit Card.

I have requested an ATM-only card, but I have not been able to find a bank or credit union around here that issues these. The only option for ATM access that I have found is debit card.

Cards ain’t the problems, yall old ass needs to practice better physical security!

Check to make sure you got you’re own card back lol.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
This is EXACTLY why I have an ATM Card only...and NOT a Debit Card. If my ATM Card is lost or stolen, I'm out nothing and simply need to get a new card, while if your Debit Card is lost or stolen, someone can empty your bank account(s)!

Thanks. I was unaware of the existence of ATM cards. I’ll see if my bank offers them.

ETA – just found this:

“The card-free option can be more secure than using a debit card, Velline says, because it reduces the chance that fraudsters can steal and copy the numbers on your debit card. The smartphone app generates a unique code that expires within 30 minutes.”

https://www.jacksonville.com/s...s-atms/15748041007/#

Thanks for all the input. I'll check out the Apple thing.

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:

just found this:

“The card-free option can be more secure than using a debit card, Velline says, because it reduces the chance that fraudsters can steal and copy the numbers on your debit card. The smartphone app generates a unique code that expires within 30 minutes.”

https://www.jacksonville.com/s...s-atms/15748041007/#

That's for Wells Fargo. There's a thread on SIGforum discussing the dumpster fire known as "Wells Fargo." I have had terrible experience with those crooks.

Maybe a legitimate financial institution will offer a service like this -- Navy Federal Credit Union, are you listening?

^^^^^
Yeah, I’ve posted in those threads. I’ve banked exclusively with WF here in San Diego for ten years. No significant problems, and folks at B&M locations are generally courteous and helpful. The WF smartphone app is excellent.

Your mileage apparently varies.

I have never used a debit-card except for those received as a gift card or similar.
I do not activate any ATM service for any account.
Only Credit Card use.
Do not take those wifi-ish cards with me to be hacked unless I intend to use them.
As for Wells Fargo, been a customer for many, many years but not blanketly endorsing nor condemning them either.
Do one's own research on this is my best advice.