
A diagram showing the reverse side of a typical credit/debit card. (1) is the magnetic stripe. (2) is the signature strip (3) is the CVC2 code (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When I pay for something I buy, I always use my debit card. I rarely carry cash with me. Lately, I’ve noticed something I didn’t before.
In the last two weeks, every time I give my debit card to the clerk, he/she asks me whether it’s debit or credit, which is a question they always ask. So I respond “debit”. And inevitably the clerk charges it to credit. I went along with the credit thing, but now I will never sign my debit card again. For one, it’s a debit card and it doesn’t require a signature. The last week, it’s always been credit the clerks ring up. And then yesterday it hit me. I have to sign the credit card every time I buy something. I realize that these perps are trying to get my signature.
I realized it yesterday when I went to pay my internet modem bill. The first clerk I went to told me I couldn’t pay my bill because the card wouldn’t work. I responded that I’ve never had any problem when I’ve paid my bill. She didn’t want me to be able to pay the bill so that my internet access would be turned off. I went over to another clerk and told her my card is a debit card. Of course, when she swiped my card, it came up credit. Again! She asked me to sign and I did. After she got my signature, she went over to the other clerk to show her that she had gotten my signature. Huh, I thought, and walked out of the place.
As I walked home, I told myself that I should’ve said something to the woman who was sharing my signature with someone else. What right did she have to show my signature around to other people?
I realize that I’ve been an idiot, accepting credit instead of what my card is. With credit, I always have to sign my card. My signature is out there for everyone to copy. Someone can copy my signature, go the bank, and leave my account minus zero. I’m kicking myself now on how stupid I’ve been.
From now on, no more credit card signature for me. I will tell the clerk right up front, my card is a debit card and that’s how it should be rung up. It should be rang up as credit, and if it’s not, I will not sign and want a copy stating that my credit’s cancelled. I know a target who lost $15,000 from her Wells Fargo Account. Someone went into the bank, signed her name and took her money.
I’m just warning you all not to be as stupid as I’ve been. Make sure that you don’t sign anything you don’t have to, especially if it’s a debit card. If its debit, it should ring up as debit, nothing else. Be careful out there with your money. You’ve worked hard to save it. DON’T SIGN ANYTHING YOU DON’T HAVE TO. And that applies to non-targets, too. Just a warning. Don’t be as stupid as I’ve been. And don’t let anyone know your password.
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