so my debit card got skimmed!

[gapatriot]

Two weeks ago day before pay day (thank chosen higher power here) I debit card number ( still had my card in my pocket) was used at a local Walmart for $1067.68 my bank won't let a credit charge over $1000 go thru without calling first( saved my ass) turns out I paid at the pump for gas two days before some rigged the pump and got my number. Two things I learned A. No more pay at the pump B. I save a shit ton more money on a cash economy!!! I managed to save a full $1000 out of my last check! I even spent almost $200 on gun parts for my latest build. With a simple swipe the money means nothing but when you are counting it you pay a shit ton more attention cheers boys and girls  that's more whiskey money

[JohnyMac]

WOW Gap, you were lucky! There is someone "up there" guarding your back man! 

A couple of weeks ago I received a call from Am Ex asking me if I spent X at Y business. I told them no and they told me that they were going to cancel my card and would send me a new one over night.

I asked them how did they figure it out it might not be my charge. The nice lady told me that they have some algorithm that is used and that is why she was calling.  Love it!
 

[Well-Prepared Witch]

Yikes!  Glad they caught it. 

One of the things you said caught my attention.  You use primarily cash?  How do you do that?  Any tips for transitioning over from primarily debit/check card use to mainly cash?

[gapatriot]

I just think about how much cash I need that day I.e. do I need gas or smokes. Then grab just that and I just keep an extra $50 bucks in the glove box incase of an emergency. When I go to the store for groceries I take a budgeted amount and spend more wisely, it cuts down on junk food buys.

[Alex1992]

Good thing they caught those fucks, and also a reason why I stick with cash.

[JohnyMac]

Wellie, I do use CC's a lot because of ease.

On many things anymore I get a USPS counter check as I do not want the powers to be to know about some items I purchase, e.g. reloading components, ammo, large qty of food, etc.

When I knew I would have to use a CC I pre-buy one from the grocery store. 

[mongoose25]

Remember when using Debit or Credit card at ATM, observe the machine and look for any attached skimmers. If it looks like it has been added to the machine do not use. Be aware of your surroundings and when entering your PIN # cover the keyboard and if someone is behind you look out for shoulder surfers.

[JohnyMac]

Good advise mongoose! Welcome to the forum!!

[backwoodsboy]

I will only use cash, have to many friends and family take loses from cards.

[jimLE]

i've heard of the scams where someone else ends up with the card number.then use it..for i don't know how many years.i got this piggy bank a few years ago.but put it away,on account it never got used.then came across it while looking for something else.then i thought of some odd ball plastic jars i have.so i went through them,for each coin.then a smaller one to take with us when we go to town.the extra pocket change will go into it.and stay there untill we get home.there,the change will go into the larger jars.and then they will be cashed in for paper money when ever one fills up..and then i'll do one of 3 things.buy whats needed,(if anything).or it'll go into the checking account,or hopefully,it'll go into the back part of my billfold..

[JoJo]

It happened to me twice, both times in New Jersey. You have to scan your monthly statement carefully that's how I caught the second one. They first put a small dollar charge on it to see if it is working and if nothing happens then they hit you with a big one. The first time the CC company called me and asked if I bought anything in France.  When I back checked my monthly statement there was a small charge before the big one.
Glad the bank caught it for you