For those who eat out at restaurants, do you use cash or a credit card?

Question

You need to be careful. There is a Nigerian ring that uses skimming or use of an electronic credit card reader to get your information and steal your ID. I don't give my credit card to the waiter or waitress anymore. I just make sure I have cash before I go.

Wickwire - Scary isn't it?

Thanks for the links Sandwich!!!

Answer 1

Thanks for the info. From now on I'll pay cash. I've always heard to never let your card out of your sight and at most places the transaction occurs where you can watch. I never thought about restaurants that takes your card away from where you are. Great tip:)

I'm so tired of the way the world is spinning out of control. I want to go back to the good 'ol days.

Answer 2

I might pay with cash, but to be honest, I do not like walking around with large amounts of cash. I'm often out and about on my own, I frequently travel by myself, and large amounts of cash make me feel very vulunerable. We are very careful with our bank debit card, because it gives direct access to our bank account, and if money is skimmed with this card then money isn't easily recoverable and also checks can be bounced. We use a credit card as a 30 day account and sometimes when I travel I use a pre-loaded travel card.

There are several criminal rings, not only those associated with Nigeria, that have used skimming. Last winter there were reports of a ring out of California that was traveling around planting skimming machines at store checkout lines. Last fall a huge ring was busted that used waiters at restaurants.

We check our credit card activity online, we do not wait for statements. With a credit card, your liability is limited if you are ripped off through skimming-you can challenge fraudulent charges and not be held responsible for those charges if you report them promptly.

My credit card company is pretty good about fraud alerts; I forgot to inform them that I'd be out of town, I made some large purchases with my card, and they phoned our home number to verify it was us using the card. The other good thing about credit cards is that they leave an electronic trail....and people have been caught on cameras using fraudulent credit cards.

Daisymae, I agree that cash is a good way to go if I need less than $50.00...but if I'm out shopping and eating, or other things where I'd need more money, I still use my credit card.

Whether we use cash, credit cards, or travel cards, we just need to be alert to our surroundings.

Answer 3

I use cash first or if not I'll go with debit card. I don't use credit card. But oh yes, you are absolutely right about those scams. I try to go online to double check on all my purchases.
When I go to restaurants, its usually one where I have become familiar with the staff.

Answer 4

Too many scams going on with credit cards. One time I ate at a restaurant and the waitress charged my account twice. I'm back to using cash. Funny we keep making complete circles ending up where we started isn't it?

Answer 5

I have been using cash for many years, and checks locally. As pointed out, there are too many scams out there.
I am concerned that banks don't keep checks, and the original can be disposed of and only an image needs to be sent. I can see this as an oppertunity for thieves to intercept and change information. Anything that can be done...security wise can eventually be un-done, or codes broken given enough time.

Answer 6

Lately if we're out we usually just get something from a fast food restaurant, so I use cash. I did use my bank card when I went to a more expensive places. Thanks for the information, there are so many scams out there it's hard to keep up with them all.

Answer 7

I use only cash, I don't have a credit card and I am glad.

Answer 8

I don't use my credit cards for anything except travel and emergencies.

Everything else is cash, ATM/debit or check.

Answer 9

Thanks 4 da headz up, I don't keep cash on me anymore since it's so convenient to have a card and direct deposit. Now I will try to get back in the habit of keeping cash on hand.

Answer 10

I've never thought about that before. Good advice. I've almost totally given up carrying cash for fear I'll lose it. I guess it's better to lose a few bucks than my identity.