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Disposing of old laser card

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  • 17-07-2012 6:22pm
    #1
    Eod100
    Registered Users Posts: 11,779 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi there,

    This is probably a silly question but why do old laser cards have to be cut in half before being thrown out?

    I would have thought that if a card is expired then it's is inactive and so no-one would be able to do anything with the card (even if they had the correct PIN code).

    Thanks!


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    #2
    PaulDalyRoI
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭PaulDalyRoI


    The card number is expired, but that doesnt mean someone cant use the physical plastic to write stolen card data to, so their stolen card data looks genuine.

    It may also be possible that the expiry date on the card can be changed (on the magnetic stripe) so that a reader thinks it's still valid. This false data could then be used on systems that don't always hook into the bank for authoisation. Obviously, if the transaction goes online to the bank it will be declined.

    When was the last time a shop / car park etc check the expiry date printed on the receipt with the one embossed on the front of the plastic?

    In my opinion you should always shred the card... never just bin it!


  • Options
    #3
    Bank of Ireland: Graham
    Closed Accounts Posts: 371 ✭✭Bank of Ireland: Graham


    Hi Eod100,
    Eod100 wrote: »
    why do old laser cards have to be cut in half before being thrown out?

    Customers are advised to destroy their old cards as a matter of course for security purposes.

    Thanks for your query,
    Graham


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    #4
    Ally Dick
    Registered Users Posts: 12,707 ✭✭✭✭Ally Dick


    Always make sure to cut through the microchip embossed on the card and not just the plastic


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    #5
    DundalkDuffman
    Registered Users Posts: 734 ✭✭✭DundalkDuffman


    Bank of Ireland: Graham wrote: »
    Hi Eod100,



    Customers are advised to destroy their old cards as a matter of course for security purposes.

    Thanks for your query,
    Graham

    Not what the OP asked. OP wanted to know why they needed to be destroyed not what bank policy was.

    Personally OP I always shred my expired cards for the reason that has already been mentioned, it is a lot of information to leave intact.


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