Hatunen ha scritto:
> I have a couple of straight ATM cards (technically also debit
> cards) issued by my credit unions. When I use them in an ATM or
> to make a purchase I MUST use a PIN; the money is taken directly
> from my account at the credit union. My protection is the PIN,
> which only very well-funded thieves are likely to be able to
> crack.
Sorry, but is not true :-(.
Now many thieves here stole money from ATM pin-only cards.
They put a webcam near ATM, or they add a fake ATM front on a real ATM
to record your pin, and few minutes after they stole your pocket with
your card.
Banks here claims not to be responsible for theft on pin-only cards,
because they assume that if the thief get money, you have not correctly
stored your PIN!!!
If they steal money with a signature, banks normally are totally
responsible, because the signature is NOT YOUR signature.
> If you have a debit card it can also be used like a credit card,
> without a PIN and without a signature. For instance, it can be
> used in vending machines, gas/petrol pumps, telephones, online
> purchases, etc. Nevertheless, the money comes directly out of
> your account. A thief could easily take quite a bit of money out
> of your account.
Here (Italy) it works only for very small amounts (20-30 euros is the
maximum).
No gas pumps (here gasoline costs far more than in the USA...), but just
parking machines or Highway automatic toll.
All others facilities needs a signature.
> To me the debit card combines the worst features of the credit
> card and the ATM card.
I don't know how to call my card...
I think mine is an ATM card, not a debit card...
What the difference (there)?
...But you are in the truth, because works also with a signature (never
used by me: I use just PIN).
I don't know what logo works with signature: i have both Cirrus and
Maestro on my card.
Ciao, Piero. |