Disney cast member caught skimming credit card numbers

[BeccaG]

Our credit card # was compromised after a visit last November. I had assumed for some reason it was the baggage checking phone #. . now I am wondering if it was this. I can't remember how it was caught though. . .me or the bank, but I think it was on a charge for gas in like Georgia. . and I live in Cali

 

[Brian Noble]

I wouldn't worry about it. It may be a little pain in the rear, but you're not responsible for the charges if you report it promptly.

Exactly so. As long as you actually read your bill and know what you should expect to see on it, it's at worst a minor annoyance.

To be honest, I've been more annoyed by fraud "protection" than I have fraudulent charges---and I've experienced both. Perhaps the most annoying: I had an overseas trip planned, and called my credit card issuer to tell them which countries I'd be in, and when, and they *still* bricked my card when I was trying to buy a small gift of jewelry in a store in Schiphol airport for my wife. Compared to that, disputing improper charges is downright pleasant.

 

[ssawka]

What I don't get about this story is that it said she would plugin the skimming device at the front desk. Now, I have not stayed at OKW or SSR yet!, but at the other resorts there is never only one person at the desk. Didn't the on duty manager or other CMs notice that there was an extra device, or most likely that it didn't look like their other card readers?

 

[DVC-Don]

Similar thing happened to me twice. Once here in Saratoga Springs, NY. A waitress was doing the same thing, selling the info to a ring. That was maybe 10 years ago. Second time was about 4 years ago in Orlando. The info was stolen at either Emerils over at City Walk or the Hard Rock Hotel.

 

[Redwolf8812]

My credit card was skimmed by a gas station attendant. Yet one more reason to let us pump our own gas in Jersey!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I keep wondering if those new credit card readers for smart phones is going to increase this problem. Those things are so tiny, it would be VERY easy to scan a card twice...once in the computer and once on the scanner without ever being noticed. The ones I have seen are about a half inch square and plug into the USB port of a smart phone. I'm just not sure that is what it would be used for or not.

 

[dvc_john]

Our credit card # was compromised ..... I can't remember how it was caught though. . .me or the bank, but I think it was on a charge for gas in like Georgia. . and I live in Cali

Same here.

In April the credit card fraud/security dept called to ask about a $1.00 charge at a gas station in Georgia. They cancelled my card immediately. The $1.00 amount sounds like someone was testing the card number. I had stayed at both SSR and OKW in January, but this probably wasn't related to the DVC skimming incident since the article says that was last year.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Same here.

In April the credit card fraud/security dept called to ask about a $1.00 charge at a gas station in Georgia. They cancelled my card immediately. The $1.00 amount sounds like someone was testing the card number. I had stayed at both SSR and OKW in January, but this probably wasn't related to the DVC skimming incident since the article says that was last year.

John, I think they use the $1 charge at a service station as a test to see if the card is good. That practice actually alerts the CC company to check it out.

 

[eliza61]

Also I would never advise anyone to use your debit card when you travel.

Use a credit card that you only use for travel and keep a eye on it.

Ditto on your advice.
I have a Mastercard that I only use for travel. Lately since I've been travelling overseas I call the company and let them know where I'll be and that I don't use the card for internet purchases.

This saved me once, when my card was lifted and the thief tried to pay their cable bill with in on line. Charge was denied because my file said never to accept internet charges.

My NYC policeman dad had a saying: "As soon as a new alarm system is developed there is a crook trying to figure out how to get around it". same goes with cc, no matter how great the software.. there is a bad guy trying to get around it. We must keep vigilant.

 

[JimMIA]

John, I think they use the $1 charge at a service station as a test to see if the card is good. That practice actually alerts the CC company to check it out.

Yes, that's what they are doing. They have taken the encoded data skimmed from your credit card's mag stripe and copied it onto a stolen card or blank credit card stock.

Before they go shopping, they sometimes test the card -- which is actually a dumb thing to do because it alerts the credit card company...thereby fulfilling the old law enforcement cliche: "Thank God they're stupid."

 

[Shadeaux]

Same here.

In April the credit card fraud/security dept called to ask about a $1.00 charge at a gas station in Georgia. They cancelled my card immediately. The $1.00 amount sounds like someone was testing the card number. I had stayed at both SSR and OKW in January, but this probably wasn't related to the DVC skimming incident since the article says that was last year.

I get alerts when my husband buys gas for the lawn mower and charges it to our Discovercard. Their fraud department said anything under $5 at a gas station is a red flag that someone is testing the card.

 

[photobob]

So what is our best alternative? Cash and travelers checks? Obviously a debit card would be a big no-no since they can pull directly from your checking account. I always try to pay cash at gas stations on the drive down, sounds like I may need to as careful or more while at WDW.

 

[spiceycat]

had trouble with the traveler's check - they were from AAA and were definitely good.

the only place that would even cash them was WDW front desk and in the parks - the service areas.

the restuarants would NOT. that was the last time used traveler's checks


now must admit this was years ago.

 

[mtdewhead]

http://www.wftv.com/news/23772659/detail.html?cxntlid=cmg_cntnt_rss

 

[darbry]

That's just crazy...I've been the victim of cc theft about 4 times...I'm magnet..LOL I'm just glad they caught her and are putting new measures into place so I feel safer for my upcoming trip.

 

[Brian Noble]

So what is our best alternative? Cash and travelers checks? Obviously a debit card would be a big no-no since they can pull directly from your checking account.

IMO, the best alternative is to continue using your credit card (it is safer than cash or a debit card, more convenient than travelers checks), but to *read* your statement each month and inquire as to unfamiliar charges.

It's a little bit of a hassle, but not that much, and if you dispute anything promptly, there is no (financial) cost to you.

 

[twinklebug]

IMO, the best alternative is to continue using your credit card (it is safer than cash or a debit card, more convenient than travelers checks), but to *read* your statement each month and inquire as to unfamiliar charges.

It's a little bit of a hassle, but not that much, and if you dispute anything promptly, there is no (financial) cost to you.

Agreed. CCs are your safest simple route. Cash, if lost or stolen, is irreplaceable. Unless you have no other choice, try not to use your debit card/pin for anything other than an ATM transaction (even then look at the machine to make sure it's not set up to skim and if your card is lost into the machine, don't leave it without calling the bank.)

You could also estimate what you think you'll need and buy Disney gift cards in advance, although, like cash, if lost or stolen Disney may not be able to replace their value.

I think it's better to review CC transactions online at least once per week while the charges are still memorable. I don't match mine up line item by line item to the receipts but simply look to make sure everything seems right.

 

[dgaston]

After a WDW trip in 2009, our bank sent us a new card, saying we had a pattern of use that made us vulnerable to fraud! I monitor my accounts at least weekly, and sometimes more often. So far we haven't had trouble.

 

[Sammie]

We have never had problems using American Express Traveler's Checks anywhere at Disney except at the Food carts in the parks that serve pop corn and ice cream.

We used them at every shop, restaurants (resorts and parks) even quick service.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

When using your credit card ask the cashier or whoever that you want it kept in your sight at all times. If it is not put into a computer but hand swiped ask for the carbon so that you can shred it yourself. Never let them put a receipt in the shopping bag. If someone swipes your bag your bag youl need the receipt to get your money back. Maybe I am a little paranoid but I sleep better at night knowing that I take at least a few precations.