Debit card related-- can they do this?

[CheshireVal]

I went to a watch shop at the mall on Saturday to get a new battery put in my watch. It was $10-- I didn't have any cash onhand, so I used my check card. She swiped it through the machine as normal, but then before she gave me the receipt to sign, she took an imprint of my card with one of those old-fashioned credit card machines.

I freaked out about that, and asked if I could at least scratch out some of the numbers-- she said no, that was the store's policy. I was like, "but this is my bank account, I'm really not comfortable just leaving a copy of the card like this," to which she replied, "well, everyone who shops here has to do it."

Now, if I had known about this, I would have used a credit card. I really don't like the idea that someone can wipe out my bank account while I'm at Disney in a few days, with limited access to the internet to check my balance!

Can stores legally do this? And can someone really do damage with a copy of my card (they don't have my billing address)? I guess it's no different than handing a card over to a waiter in a restaurant, because the waiter could copy down the info if he/she wanted, but for some reason it's making me a little nervous....

 

[ChristmasElf]

I would have been upset too! Maybe speak to a manager and ask why the imprinting was necessary if the card had already been swiped.

 

[Chicago526]

Yes they can, although most don't anymore. I used to work for Target and we'd only do imprints if the card wouldn't "swipe" (the magnetic strip didn't work anymore). Merchants need to prove that the purchase was made with an actual physical card, that the buyer didn't just give the CC number and expiration date for the cashier to type in manually. It is odd that they wanted an imprint, though. Can you order a replacement debit card with a new number and get it before your trip?

 

[disneynutt1225]

I can speculate why they did this. The CC machines at the stores I've worked in usually print out a receipt for the store that has the full CC number on them. This is for processing reasons - those receipts are then sent to the respective CC companies so they can debit your accounts. The store you went into might have had an antiquated CC machine, that's why they take an imprint of everyone CC when they are used. That would be my best guess for your situation.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

My speculation is that because it is a jewelry store, with high end items; the store will protect itself by taking an imprint to prove that the credit card was acutually used during the purchase. Its probably their policy for a watch battery and a Rolex.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I don't believe the number on your credit is your bank account number. It has been a long time since a store imprinted a card of mine, but some stores still keep them handy in case the machine goes down.

 

[anut4disney]

The number on your card isn't the same as your bank account number. I still wouldn't like it though.

 

[robinb]

The number on your card isn't the same as your bank account number. I still wouldn't like it though.

I bet the OP used Visa/MC logo debit card which would be tied to her bank account.

 

[Ronda93]

There's no more danger in this than the usual receipt that the merchant keeps.

The card number is not your bank account number. Yes, they're tied, but not the same. I don't see any problem with this.

 

[CheshireVal]

Thanks for your replies.

I did use a Visa check card. My biggest worry was that someone could go online or make a telephone order using my number and expiration date, which would come straight out of my bank account.

I'm hoping that since the billing address wouldn't match, though (I'm unlisted in the phone book, so they'd have a hard time getting my address), that if they tried something dodgy it wouldn't go through.

I thought about calling the bank and getting a new card with a new number, but since I'm leaving town on Thursday, I'm not sure it would come through on time.

I guess I'll just keep a close eye on my account, even from Disney, and I"ll definitely be more careful about using that check card in new places from now on!

 

[C.Ann]

Yes - it is the same number as the bank account - or at least it is on mine.. I have a certain debit card that I use for purchases and the # on the card is the bank account number.. (Not my main bank account - just one I keep money in for spending on-line and such..)

I've never had an imprint made of my card and never will.. If they can't accomplish what they need to simply by swiping it, then I'd do my business elsewhere.. Probably no more dangerous than shopping on-line with it, but the idea just rubs me the wrong way..

 

[pjpoohbear]

"slip should be marked void and attached to the printed copy. A copy of this voided slip may be given to customer as requested."

That instruction is from Moneris Solutions' (a cc/debit transaction company) Visa/MasterCard merchant's manual. The slip should not be left with all copies and unvoided at the merchant location. I would contact your credit card/debit card issuer and inquire.

Penny

 

[anut4disney]

Thanks for your replies.

I did use a Visa check card. My biggest worry was that someone could go online or make a telephone order using my number and expiration date, which would come straight out of my bank account.
I'm hoping that since the billing address wouldn't match, though (I'm unlisted in the phone book, so they'd have a hard time getting my address), that if they tried something dodgy it wouldn't go through.

I thought about calling the bank and getting a new card with a new number, but since I'm leaving town on Thursday, I'm not sure it would come through on time.

I guess I'll just keep a close eye on my account, even from Disney, and I"ll definitely be more careful about using that check card in new places from now on!

Most places ask for the 3 digit code on back of card with internet sales, so no card no 3 digits.

C. Ann it must depend on the bank on wether the card has the same number as the bank account. Mine do not match, thank heavens.

 

[beattyfamily]

Some place still do the imprint the old fashioned way. I've experienced the CC imprinter/swiper many times.

When I go to Petco for their pet clinic for my dogs' shots, a separate company (the Vet) comes in to do the shots. I must pay them. Since they do not work for Petco, they have a table set up for us to pay them with a CC swiper/imprinter. I've done it for the past 3 or 4 years with no incident. They do not have access to a computer/register so they have no choice.

Same thing happened at Church yesterday. A man from Bethleham was selling hand carved statues and merchandise made in Bethleham and he had a CC imprinter because of course, he didn't have access to a computer/register.

It's old fashioned but IMHO, it's basically the same as when they swipe it through the register/computer.

 

[robinb]

I did use a Visa check card. My biggest worry was that someone could go online or make a telephone order using my number and expiration date, which would come straight out of my bank account.

That's a big problem with Debit Cards, IMO. Luckily most banks have a liability limit of $50, just like the credit card companies. A friend had her AmEx card number taken and used ... twice. She replaced the card and the number was taken again. We assume that the theif was an employee of one of the stores where she used the card. In addition, she was listed in the phone book and had a short, easy to remember name.