Sunday, February 3, 2008

Dirty Secrets of Debit Cards


Many people wrongly assume that debit cards offer the same protection against fraud as credit cards. But when a debit card is stolen or copied, there's no grace period while you contest the charges. Your cash has already been electronically zapped from your checking account. Here's how to avoid the newest scams, fees, and traps...

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Debit Cards: Too Risky For Big Purchases


When you're making a big purchase, think twice about using a debit card in place of a credit card. If something goes wrong, you may have a tough time getting your money back with a debit card. And don't let the word "Visa" on the front of the card fool you. You don't have the same consumer protections with a debit card. It's not even close.I deffinitely agree with this, especially with internet purchases. Too many times have I almost gotten screwed by places not shipping me what I ordered or a wrong or defective item. When I have ordered with a bank card, I think they just laugh at me, because the money is already gone. But when its a credit card, and the money has not already been taken from me, places are always willing to fix the mistake. Luckily, both my credit card companies have an easy system (online too) for disputes, and the only time I had to use it (legit - double charge), it was extreme easy. With a bank? Good luck!

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Hidden Credit Card Charges When Charging Abroad


While having a stash of cash is always necessary, it's also convenient to be able to reserve rooms and pay for the occasional item using your Mastercard or Visa. Be careful though; some (if not most) credit card companies will charge you a premium for using their card in a foreign country.While true, the article does not mention that even the 3% charge is still one hell of a lot better than the rates that you pay at currency conversion booths to change cash, which is often hidden in the very shitty rate they give you - not to mention any commission they charge. I have seen these has high as 10% near some airports

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U.S. rejects visa for Muslim scholar critical of Bush's Middle East policie


The American Civil Liberties Union said the U.S. government notified Ramadan he was being excluded because he donated $765 to French and Swiss organizations that provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians.The American Civil Liberties Union said the U.S. government notified Ramadan he was being excluded because he donated $765 to French and Swiss organizations that provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians.Do the Palestinians not need aid? Israel gets billions every year from the US alone.Both sides of this conflict have terrorists but we choose to side with the Israeli terrorists.Spend a few minutes and watch "Peace, Propaganda & The Promised Land":

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Visa says, "Merchants Comply or Else!"


Visa made a pretty significant announcement today. Here is some context for what they are trying to address. Over the past few years, Point of sale (POS) systems used by retailers and restaurants have been a gold mine for criminals stealing credit card. This has been the case because certain POS systems have been designed to store prohibited ......

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Visa to launch global cellphone payment system


Visa is launching a global payment system that would let people pay for goods through their cellphones.

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