I hear that kind of fraud is very frequent in Europe, using computers to copy cards.

Not so much in America, because here it's easier just to counterfeit new cards really.  Also we have several layers of prosecution for that kind of thing 1) federal if you steal from an account in a bank that's a member of the Federal Reserve, use national phone lines for fradulent charges or rely in any way for the mail eg delivery of underwear you bought online with a stolen card 2) state laws against larceny...so you could be prosecuted twice, more likely that one of your cohorts in crime will sell you out for a lighter sentence.

It does happen and it's growing but not as bad as in Europe from what I hear.  Also it is one of the few cash crimes that definitely draw prison time because it takes years for the victim to clear their credit.

I don't see why the police don't do anything, if it's just 100 pounds per person, for 200 people that is 20,000 pounds.  You need to get together with folks and badger your politicians.

I had my debit card cloned and the account cleared out

I have shredders in my office trash can, and I shred everything. I bring my trash out on the morning of the pick-up, rather than the night before, if I am at home to do so. I'm always up early as long as I am not on a night schedule, so it's not ever a problem. Digital copies of sensitive information (bill payments, receipts, financial statements, portfolios, etc) are kept in removable storage. I rarely use my check and credit cards, preferring cash for most transactions under $50.00. Two of my long-standing revolving credit lines I only use a couple times per year, and I use separate PINs for each card. Additionally, my credit cards can not simply be signed for, I've specifically requested PIN challenges for every transaction.

I also have a heavy duty safe in my closet bolted to the floor. I didn't buy it, actually, it happened to come with my house. I've personally altered the combination twice.

I'm not paranoid, just a "preventative measures" kind of guy.

you don't really believe that do you Arcolex?

if so, spare yourself the trouble and just send me a couple hundred Euro.

US govt shreds and liquefies documents.

[RPA] Arocalex: "If someone really wants your money they will get it. No matter what you do."

That doesn't mean you should make it easy for them.

Arocalex is correct yell. Don't flame him for it. There are ppl who spend all their time scheming to steal your money. Key loggers, email hacking, bank card cloning, etc. etc. They find ways to get into your property. Nothing is guaranteed against someone who knows what they are doing. For online transactions, I only use a prepaid debit card. I try not to use my social security info too often for signing things and when I do, I try to keep it to secure connections. Virus, firewall, security stuff. I try to keep that up to date and I tear up letters that have my info on it before sending to the trash. A shreddar might be a good idea. Never thought about it. And I have an account with a credit agency that updates me whenever my social, credit history, checking purchases, etc. are made. I receive an email with detailed info.

Only so much you can do in life. Things are gonna happen. you can put on a bulletproof vest, hard hat, fire resistant gloves, a rabbit's foot, steel toe work boots, thick goggles and shin guards and still die if someone hits you with a car.

yeah a lot of people do shady things with paypal. I don't generally use it cause it seems the security on it is kinda weak. I only use paypal for ebay or IC donations. And like I said, prepaid debit card