HELOISE Check/debit cards have per-day limits
Dear Heloise: I want to tell you about an experience that my husband had with our check/debit card. He was doing some home improvements and went to a lumberyard to make a large purchase. When the cashier ran his card, it was declined.
He immediately called me, and I called the bank to find out what the problem was. Well, a bank official said there was an $800 limit per day, and we had exceeded that. I was surprised, since I didn't realize there was a limit on our check/debit card. It was embarrassing, and my husband had to go home and get his checkbook, then go back and make the purchase! V.B. from Louisiana
Wow! This could be a very bad situation! My office didn't know that there are limits on these cards either. Each of my assistants called her bank, and each of them had a different limit, ranging from $800 to $3,000. The bank has the limit to protect its customers in case the card is lost or stolen. So, if you plan on using your card (even your regular credit card) for many items or large purchases, check with your financial institution to see what your limit is, or to let it know you will be using the card. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When I read the hint from the woman who wanted to toss her bank statements, I wanted to warn anyone thinking of tossing things with account numbers or information pertaining to personal IDs.
I am a victim of identity theft, just by moving across the street and tossing old accounts into the trash. I am now getting collection notices from an old account someone apparently stole out of my garbage! So far, the person has spent more than $1,500 with an account that is closed!
Bottom line -- shred or burn old personal papers, no matter how old they might be. Don't put your bills outside in your mailbox. Take the time to go to the post office, or put them in the big mailboxes.
I have been to the police and have a file with the Federal Trade Commission, and it is amazing how many identities get stolen every day. They can't keep up with it, so maybe if people like you will let others know about all of the fraud being committed and every once in a while repeat this so it becomes common knowledge, then maybe we have a chance at stopping these criminals to some degree. Thank you. An Anonymous Reader, Via Fax
Dear Heloise: When I get out my many Christmas decorations each year, I used to have to figure out where to put everything. To aid my memory, I started taking pictures and store the photos with the decorations. This saves lots of time when decorating. I also made a list of the contents of each box of decorations, making repacking easier. Pam Pewitt, Waxahachie, Texas
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate