Quantcast

Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksSchemes and Rip Offs: The Best Way to Pay

Schemes and Rip Offs: The Best Way to Pay

Posted: Updated:

Even after a record Black Friday weekend there's still plenty of money to be spent this holiday season and plenty of ways for criminals to try and steal it.

So as we start checking things off our Christmas lists it's important to remember what you use to pay can make a big difference.

We talked with Todd Davis CEO of "Lifelock" about the 3 most popular ways to pay and here's how he ranked them from best to worst.

While not as convenient, Davis says a gift card is the safest option.  You control how much is on it so if something does happen crooks can't get access to your whole bank account or credit line.

Next best, a credit card.  If you keep a close watch on your statements and notice a fraudulent charge the company must give your money back while they investigate and the most you have to cover from a stolen card is 50 bucks.

That leaves the debit card, which Davis told us could be the most dangerous thing in your wallet this time of year.

"If they get their hands on your debit card information they can pull those funds out.  You're out all that money and when you go challenge that it was fraud, no one's giving your money back in the meantime. That money is missing."

Another problem when using a debit card; online orders that show up damaged, broken, or don't show up at all.

Like fraud if you paid with a credit card you can dispute the charge and stop payment.

If you used the debit the merchant has your money already and you might have to fight to get it back.

Davis said you might consider canceling your debit card during this time of year or at the very least only use it if you absolutely have too.

For a more complete breakdown of the pros and cons of debit, credit and gift cards, plus a look at cash, checks and money orders.  Check out this fact sheet from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

You can also check out the Better Business Bureau's Consumer Blog for tips to keep your holiday season scam free.

  • Local News

  • Emergency vehicles were on stand-by as an Allegiant Airlines flight landed this afternoon. Airport security officers say the plane had just taken off from Fargo on its way to Las Vegas when the flight
    Emergency vehicles were on stand-by as an Allegiant Airlines flight landed this afternoon. Airport security officers say the plane had just taken off from Fargo on its way to Las Vegas when the flight

  • Law enforcement and the North Dakota Stockman's Association are asking for help identifying the person or people responsible for shooting 14 cattle near Hankinson, North Dakota. It happened in the evening
    Law enforcement and the North Dakota Stockman's Association are asking for help identifying the person or people responsible for shooting 14 cattle near Hankinson, North Dakota. It happened in the evening

  • ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A 4-year-old boy is still hospitalized in critical condition after he was hit by a motorcyclist who sped away. A spokeswoman with Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare says Tyrell
    A 4-year-old boy is still hospitalized in critical condition after he was hit by a motorcyclist who sped away.

  • MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota company is recalling about 450 pounds of steakhouse burgers because of misbranding and because they contain allergens that aren't on the label.    The recalls by J and B
    A Minnesota company is recalling about 450 pounds of steakhouse burgers because of misbranding and because they contain allergens that aren't on the label.

  • Sunday Governor Mark Dayton was among thousands of Minnesotans attending a "One Day United" reception statewide. It's been one year since the legislature voted to add a proposed amendment to the November
    Sunday Governor Mark Dayton was among thousands of Minnesotans attending a "One Day United" reception statewide hoping to spread the word to defeat a same sex marriage amendment on the November ballot.

  • A section of a busy highway in northwestern Minnesota is open again. The detour in Plummer, southeast of Thief River Falls, has been removed. Highway 59 had been closed since a semi-train collision on
    A section of a busy highway in northwestern Minnesota is open again. The detour in Plummer, southeast of Thief River Falls, has been removed. Highway 59 had been closed since a semi-train collision on

  • West Fargo Police are investigaing a reported robbery of a woman who had just left an ATM at a bank. The woman reported that she was in her car when she was approached by a man on foot who demanded her
    West Fargo Police are investigaing a reported robbery of a woman who had just left an ATM at a bank. The woman reported that she was in her car when she was approached by a man on foot who demanded her

  • The Fargo Marathon will be number 47 for Virginia native Brooke Curran. This mother of three was diagnosed with asthma in June of 2009, but she wasn't ready to give up on her goal: to run marathons in
    The Fargo Marathon will be number 47 for Virginia native Brooke Curran. This mother of three was diagnosed with asthma in June of 2009, but she wasn't ready to give up on her goal: to run marathons in

  • Despite a threat from Mother Nature this morning, the 2012 Fargo Marathon began on time this morning. The morning kicked off at 7 a.m. with about 3,700 runners in the Radio Fargo Moorhead 10K. The
    Click for 2012 Fargo Marathon Winners

  • .
    .
Powered by WorldNow

Home News Weather Sports Video Programming Contests Lifestyle Join the Conversation EEO Reports
Powered by WorldNowAll content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and Valley News Live. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.