Why You Shouldn't Let The Press Photograph Your Credit Cards
from the just-saying... dept
Okay, while there's still no proof that any of today's cameraphones have been surreptitiously used to steal someone's credit card number, there is some evidence that holding up your Red Cross issued debit card to a news photographer might not be the smartest idea. A Hurricane Katrina victim received just such a debit card from the Red Cross, and held it up to an AFP photographer -- with the number clearly displayed. Apparently, soon after the photo was posted, the card's balance had dropped to zero, and plenty of cash advances and other purchases were attempted. It's not clear how quickly all of this happened. One report says minutes, another says eight hours, and doesn't list out the same list of frauds attempted on the card. Either way, if you're ever in that situation, perhaps you're better off keeping the numbers on the card to yourself.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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similarly, dog-tags ought to be kept hidden...
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No Subject Given
It's not far off to say that the person assumed that would happen or the photographer might have told them this.
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Re: No Subject Given
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You have got to be kidding me
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Re: You have got to be kidding me
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Re: You have got to be kidding me
So, it's more trustworthy than cash. Someone steals my wallet, I rather have 50 credit cards in there than 50 $20 bills.
The only ones really put at risk are those retailers. Once sold, and fraud found, they're left with no merchandize nor any money. It's not buyer beware, but seller beware.
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Re: You have got to be kidding me
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Re: You have got to be kidding me
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Re: You have got to be kidding me
http://www.zug.com/pranks/credit/
When we were at a higher class resturant that gave bad service, my father put "jack the ripper" for his signiture, and no one said anything.
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A Good Idea
Many years ago, I stopped signing ALL of my Debit & Credit cards. I started writing in indelible ink " Ask for ID "
This way, if my wallet is lost or stolen, a signature really isn't an issue. My Driver's license ( ID ) is needed to complete the transactions.
When merchants do not ask to see ID ( and I know they did not even glance @ the back of the card ) I promptly let the merchant know that this could have been a fraudulent transaction & that I am not liable.
BTW ... this recently happended to me with a stolen Debit card used as credit with a fraudulent signature. The merchant is out the $$$, I am not.
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