topic Re: Debit card hacked again in Among Friends

Debit card hacked again

smoochy — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:56:58 GMT

Three fraudulent charges took a big bite out of our checking account, causing some major financial problems. Of course we called the bank. All necessary steps were taken. Our biggest takeaway was the banker said that he and his family only use credit cards for shopping not debit cards. That way the evildoers don't have direct access to the bank accounts. We plan to use the debit only for ATM withdrawals from now on. A credit card will be used for groceries, gas etc. As well as for online shopping. Lesson learned.

Re: Debit card hacked again

Tinkrbl44 — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:24:01 GMT

Here's another horror story ..... two Target employees had a nice gig going .... one was an assistant manager and the other was a security manager ...

The security guy was accessing all those little round cameras over every checkout lane. When someone would use a debit card, the camera also picked up the 4 digit pin code people would punch in.

These fools waited a while before using their little system elsewhere, but eventually got caught.

The moral of the story is .... if you use a debit card anywhere, use your other hand to cover the hand punching in your four-digit pin! The overhead cameras pick up your whole transaction!

Re: Debit card hacked again

haddon9 — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 08:46:24 GMT

Sorry to hear of your problems.

I have never used a debit card for making a purchase! I always use a credit card which gives me better protection and control of my checking account. I just make sure to pay off my CC each month.

Re: Debit card hacked again

OKPrincess — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:07:58 GMT

We use one credit card for all purchases and then pay it off each month.

We use cash at gas stations and use 🏧 located in the bank.

Re: Debit card hacked again

meallen616 — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:55:51 GMT

@OKPrincess,

We do the exact same thing as you!!

Re: Debit card hacked again

Winkk — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:20:17 GMT

I'm sorry to hear that. I never use my debit card for online purchasing, mainly because of what happened to you. The bank reimburses you, but there is that short span without those funds.

Re: Debit card hacked again

Roscoe the Rascal — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:21:41 GMT

Sounds like I need to be more careful. I have never had an issue but not to say I couldn't.

Re: Debit card hacked again

They CallMe MRWILKES — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:28:26 GMT

Debit is deadly for making purchases.

I recommend using it only for ATM withdrawals.

Re: Debit card hacked again

charsha — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:36:19 GMT

I never use my debit card, too much exposure for problems. I get cash at the bank once in a while if needed.

Re: Debit card hacked again

kaydee50 — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:26:11 GMT

@smoochy The only time I use a debit card is at the ATM. Why have money taken out of the account right away when with a credit card there is some "float" time? Don't understand using a debit card for purchases.

Re: Debit card hacked again

Boehm Collector — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:37:49 GMT

@smoochy wrote:
Three fraudulent charges took a big bite out of our checking account, causing some major financial problems. Of course we called the bank. All necessary steps were taken. Our biggest takeaway was the banker said that he and his family only use credit cards for shopping not debit cards. That way the evildoers don't have direct access to the bank accounts. We plan to use the debit only for ATM withdrawals from now on. A credit card will be used for groceries, gas etc. As well as for online shopping. Lesson learned.

I only use my debit card at the supermarket and at ATM machines. Never for on line shopping.

Re: Debit card hacked again

deeva — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:06:41 GMT

I only use my debit card at my banks ATM. And I lock my card when it isn't going to be used.

I increased the security on my debit card so it cannot be used at gas stations, department stores or for online purchases.

Re: Debit card hacked again

gidgetgh — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:14:34 GMT

I'm sorry that happened to you @smoochy .

I stopped using my debit card several years ago. I don't even carry it with me. I use my Discover card for everything or cash, yes, cash. I just didn't like using the debit card anywhere.

And every so often, I go to the bank and cash an actual check (gasp!) and get out enough cash to last me for quite awhile. I keep it at home and dole it out to myself.

Re: Debit card hacked again

m0rgan — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:21:14 GMT

I just had someone get into my medicare account for the second time this year. It is so frustrating. I get a text at 2:00 A.M. and somehow they are able to change my password and I am locked out. Too many scammers out there! Not sure what they think they can do with my medicare account except get my personal info and call me all the time trying to get me to admit I have pain and send me braces and other equipment. I just hang up on them but they are back. Now to tackle medicare again.

Re: Debit card hacked again

RescueLover — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:21:34 GMT

Sorry to hear you got hacked. 😌

We’ve Always used our credit cards and then pay off the bill in full each month. NO interest to pay and they’re on Auto Pay too, so we don’t have to worry about late fees.

Also, Our bank advised NOT to use our debit card at other ATM Machines !!!

ONLY at the bank’s ATM Machine !!

Scammers everywhere !!! 😩

Re: Debit card hacked again

Sunshine Kate — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:37:09 GMT

I have a debit card, but rarely use it, and instead use credit cards. I don't carry my debit card either.

If I need cash I'll go through the drive-up or walk inside and use a teller.

Re: Debit card hacked again

San Antonio Gal — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:45:54 GMT

I rarely use my debit card for the exact reason you posted about @smoochy . So sorry that happened to you.

As others have stated, I also use my CC for everything and just pay it in full at month end. Bonus - you get points for using CC.

My husband even canceled his debit card. Same thing happened to him years ago. The bank reimbursed the monies stolen, but it was a stressful time. He uses his Discover CC for everything.

Re: Debit card hacked again

smoochy — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:03:57 GMT

you guys have definitely given me a lot of good info and tips. Our bank, PNC, is closing most physical branches. There is one branch about 20 miles from us in a very very congested Tampa suburb-not convenient! And their skyscraper in downtown Tampa, 37 miles away fuggedaboutit 😆 there is only one PNC ATM in my city. So that is the one we will use for cash withdrawals.

I like the idea of withdrawing a lot of cash at once, doling it out to ourselves as needed from home. I have a couple of fun secret hiding places at home 😉

Re: Debit card hacked again

Carmie — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:24:39 GMT

I use my debit card in person on occasion usually for small amounts. I have it so that I keep just a small amount of money in my account. I also do not allow an automatic transfer of funds from savings if my checking account does not have enough of funds to complete a transaction.

If I want to spend more than what my balance is, I transfer money from savings right before I make a transaction. I change my password often right on line.

I also get notified every single time my debit card is used.

This past year I did have someone access my account from three different states on the same day. They tried to make purchases at Walmart.

They were greedy and all three transactions were for more money than what was in my account. They didn't get a dime. There were also a few attempts for larger withdraws of around $12,000 that were denied immediately. I got notices for that, but by then, my account number was changed.

The only time I can remember using my debit card around that time was in Target, so I think that's were the breach occurred, but that is not 100% certain.

I just called my bank and they cancelled my card and issued a new debit card and I picked it up an hour later.

I mostly just use cash for small purchases now. No cards needed for only a few dollars. I always have cash on me.

My husband has had his CC cards hacked a few times. He only uses his debit card at the ATM at the credit union.

Re: Debit card hacked again

tansy — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:07:10 GMT

There is one market that only accepts cash or debit. Otherwise everything goes onto the CC and earns a cash reward.