Not signing for small charges - I know..

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Not signing for small charges - I know..
11
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 11:55am

you aren't supposed to be using the CC's but unfortunately, we still are (we are getting there).


HOWEVER, the recent trend has been that certain places we go to don't even require our signature anymore - I don't know what the magic number is they will require a signature but it drives me NUTS.


I just keep thinking - well, all this talk about identity theft and trying to prevent it.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2005
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 12:10pm
I've noticed the same thing recently- just by matter of observation. We haven't been using our cards, thank goodness. But it does concern me that their are so many different kinds of machines and some require pins, some don't, some require signatures, some don't. I think I'd probably steer clear of the businesses that seem too casual about it. If nothing else but for the principle of the matter- that they are contributing to a "careless" society.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2005
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 1:27pm

Here locally, they do not require a signature for purchases under $50 at one of the grocery stores. This applies to our 'visa' debit card for our checking account as well.

Stacy

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2002
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 1:37pm
I know what you mean. I don't have own credit cards anymore (i get crazy with them) but I use my debit card and I run it as a credit alot. And no signatures needed and half the time even if you need to sign, they don't check so it doesn't matter anyway. Annoying for sure. What does help is writing in black marker "See ID" in the signature section so when they casually glance at the back and see this, they pretty much have to ask. Hopeufully. Have I done this myself? Of course not.
Avatar for aerandel
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 2:02pm

I've also noticed that some credit card companies are offering the speedy credit card thing that attaches to your key ring...all I can think is...um...key chains break off all the time!

                          

             

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-02-2004
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 6:03pm

I've had the same uncomfortable feeling...

One place told me the $ amount for no sig was $30 or less.

I usually use my debit card which requires pin. And, at the grocery store, my kid announces, I know what that is mommy, 1234 (not real #). So even that is not perfectly safe.

I got one of those keychain mini's when my card renewed. It looks convenient, too convenient, so I shredded it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 11:40pm
Hi, Becky--I agree---I'm a little leery of some of these new technology things, simply because I believe there are no clear-cut "checks and balances". SIL says there is a new grocery where she is where you can scan your own purchases. Hmmm. What is really crazy is that stores can keep track of your purchases, and then, give you coupons based on what you buy--sometimes it's cool (cat food 15cents off, etc.), but then, it gets to be a "big brother" thing. I'd rather have to sign for things. It gives me that extra sense of security and a review of my purchase. Whiz.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-07-2005
Fri, 05-19-2006 - 10:12am
I was at Walgreens at bought a small package of diapers and handed her my debit card which of course has the MC/Visa logo on it--she said since it was under $25 I didn't need to sign for it. I'm also against speedpass thingies since I have a huge tendency to set my keys down wherever I am in the store to pick something up. It's getting way outta hand, I mean really how much of a hurry is everyone really in. I'm all for the debit card and pay at the pump since the are handy w/ small children but beyond that I'm not getting it. Back in the day my parents had to go to the bank (pre ATM days) and write a check out to themselves (they did have the drive thru then) or *gasp* go into the bank to actually withdraw money.
Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 05-19-2006 - 10:46am

We have the scan your own purchases here in a few stores.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2002
Fri, 05-19-2006 - 10:51am
Most of the grocery stores here you have 4 ailes you scan yourself and no one watches at all. Scary. I have Citizens bank and all over there are adds that say "New Speed Pass - Just Tap and Go". NO THANK YOU. What is society coming to when we can't even slide a card through? Tap and Go? What if I accidently tap something??? Opps, $10. Opps, another $20. I am clutsy. This will be a nightmare! I don't want this. The scary thing is, all the new cards will be issued this way no matter what. My new debit card - yikes.
Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 05-19-2006 - 10:55am

Then again, since my kids think I lived in the age of the dinosaurs - I remember when you had to use actual CASH to go grocery shopping (I think checks were accepted then too but my parents always used cash).

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