November 4, 2009

Blog post roundup: credit card edition

Coming at you with another batch of interesting sightings, this time credit- and debit-card related. Who knew plastic could be so controversial?

How thieves can steal your card info without you knowing it: "Taking just 5 seconds to inspect any credit/debit card readers before you swipe could end up saving you from identity and credit card theft. I’ll show you what to look for before you swipe your next card. The con is called skimming..."

Identity Theft Hysteria Overblown, Watch Your Debit Card Instead: "I recently interviewed her (Avivah Litan, VP and distinguished analyst at Gartner research) over the phone about consumers can protect themselves in an era where just keeping your mother's maiden name a secret doesn't cut the mustard..."

Mary Hunt Hates Debit Cards: "MasterCard and Visa have really done a number on Americans by convincing hundreds of millions of people that they need to own and use debit cards so banks can collect fees every time they do..." Special offer from Mary Hunt for SMI Members.

3 new credit card fees you should know about: "Apparently since all the new rules for credit card companies go into effect in a few months, many of them are starting to try some new ways to squeeze out some more profits..."

Teens need debt driver's licenses: "Graduated drivers' licenses — which restrict when and with whom young people can drive — seem to do a pretty good job reducing auto accidents and fatalities. Perhaps it's time to adopt something similar to ease teenagers into their financial responsibilities..."