toedtoes wrote:
I use my ATM card far more than any other card. I had one instance where the ATM card number got stolen (not the card). Because I had overdraft protection on my checking account, the thief got all my checking account money and 1/2 of my savings account before the credit union locked the account. Two weeks later, I had ALL my money back.
I cancelled my overdraft protection. It wasn't like I needed it, so why have it for the thieves benefit.
But I still use my ATM all the time. I rarely use my credit cards. In 20 odd years, I've had one problem with my ATM - I've had multiple problems with my credit card numbers being stolen.
2oldman - my point is just that what aggravates one person will protect another person. It's impossible to find a solution that never backfires - you try to find a solution that backfires as little as possible. I've known multiple instances when the card being locked in the ATM has stopped a thief. I've known far fewer instances when it backfired.
And as you point out, there's always something posted that makes folks run for the hills - when in reality, it's not that common an occurrence and liberally applied common sense, logic, and proper attention will prevent much of it from happening.
I can kind of see your point, but I don't use my ATM card that much but use it more than writing checks. :) I use a CC for everything and have had issues with the card having to be cancelled because of unauthorized usage. This has happened several times over the years, but unlike ATM theft I've never lost any money, or had to wait a couple of weeks to get money returned. So, to me, CC use makes more sense than ATM use: I've never lost any money even though the card/s have been compromised several times over the years. It's always been a non-issue and have never had money removed from my bank account.
I don't use a debit card because the money comes out right away. I'd rather use a CC with 30-45 days to pay, and I get a rebate too. I never carry a balance so interest rates are moot.
