I am new to Boquete (got here about two weeks ago), but have already run into very suspicious activity while shopping in David. Maybe this is old news to old timers who have been here for years, but here is what happened to me today. I was checking out some purchases at the Do It store in David, when a guy came walking up behind me and whacked my wallet (then in my back pocket) with something metallic (not his hand). I realized it was probably a credit card thief with a pocket scanner, the kind used to read digital info right off credit or debit cards. Luckily, I had converted all my cards to the new EMV (hologram) technology which can't be read with such scanners (older cards use RFID technology which emits the signal these scanners can read). Nobody in line behind me seemed to notice what had happened. The large man who had whacked me (not a caucasian) was walking toward the exit as if nothing had happened. I thought about calling him out, but then thought better of it as the police would probably have arrested me instead of him and the whole thing would have turned into an ugly international incident, so I said and did nothing. Perhaps this a cautionary tale for those still holding the old RFID cards. If you are, it's best to convert them as soon as you can.
Glenn D. Davis
Replies
I only carry my cards if i plan on using them at the ATM machine that day. I never use them for purchases locally.. I also never use public shared internet that is not secure. Similar to the internet at Sugar and Spice restaurant or the Parks. Someone can be sitting right next to you and be stealing all your information. I did get my wallet picked up in Costa Rica by a couple of pros.(getting off a public bus) I only had $20 dollars on me but they charged $2000.00 on my debit card before i could call the bank. Chase bank insured the money back into my account but cancelled my account not to long after. Try to never let anyone invade your space, like touching you.
How could someone put $2000 on a debit card without the PIN ?
Visa is the only company i know of that does not require a pin number when purchasing with the debit card. They made several big money purchases including a TV for over $1000.00. This was in 2006 that this happened so maybe Visa has amped up there security with debit cards but i wouldnt bet on it.
I have RFID blocking sleeves on my passport and cards. Cheap, available on Amazon and Ebay, etc.
Interesting info. A couple years ago, right before Christmas I was in Do-IT store in David. This is the only store that I had mistakenly used my debit card because I normally would not. Then some days later when looking at my statement I noticed a $500 charge which I did not make. Turns out my card was used to make purchases online at some type of clothing place for young people, like in late teens, early 20s perhaps. Thankfully I didn't have to pay the charge but it is all the trouble one must go through to then get a new card issued.