TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: Re: Don't Let Data Theft Happen to You

Re: Don't Let Data Theft Happen to You

Gary Novosielski (gpn@suespammers.org)
Wed, 13 Jul 2005 21:38:24 GMT

Wesrock@aol.com wrote:

> Apparently you would not be able to use your credit or debit card in a
> restaurant then, since they require you give them the card to swipe at
> a location out of your sight.

Having recently spent a few weeks in France, I noticed a practice that
would solve this problem completely. It seems now to be the standard
method of operation at all restaurants from the trendy "gastronomique"
places (with prices astronomique) to the neighborhood "steak/frit"
joints.

When paying with a credit card, the server brings a small wireless
terminal directly to the table. It looks just like a compact adding
machine, with a paper roll on the back, but with a card slot on the
front, where you insert your card. If it's a debit card, you key your
PIN on the keypad. The receipts are printed right from the same
device, and the card never leaves your possession.

If devices like this were used in the states, you could presumably
also use the keypad to add a tip amount to the check. (In France,
where service is included, tips are a rarity, and when offered at all
are invariably in cash.)

Post Followup Article Use your browser's quoting feature to quote article into reply
Go to Next message: Eric Bohlman: "Re: Last Laugh! Western Union's Comment About Useless Phones"
Go to Previous message: AntwainBarbour: "Re: SunRocket VOIP Comments?"
May be in reply to: Lisa Minter: "Don't Let Data Theft Happen to You"
Next in thread: Joseph: "Re: Don't Let Data Theft Happen to You"
TELECOM Digest: Home Page