Hey all,
I just got the message below from my mom (in the States), I know there are more of those type cell phones w/ cameras here in Spain so this is a distinct possibility. One really can purchase a lot of stuff on-line without having to ever show the card or id and just using the basic info that can be obtained by taking a picture of a credit card. Another thing to be watching out for. Jeez.

"I just got an e-mail which alerted me to a form of identity theft which I hadn't thought about, so I'm passing the info along to you.
Keep a watch out for people standing near you at retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, etc., that have a cell phone in hand. With the new camera cell phones, they can take a picture of your credit card, which gives them your name, number, and expiration date. Identification theft is one of the fastest growing scams today, and this is just another example of the means that are being used. So... be aware of your surroundings. "

Good luck, watch out for your credit cards and always check the statement at the end of the month! Make sure what you're paying for is stuff you actually bought!
Lena

thanks for the warning Lena.

on the bright side, non presencial purchases (buyer not being there to sign the credit card charge for the purchase) still provide for the ultimate in buyer protection.

you are not responsable for paying for those types of non presencial purchases. just contact your credit card.

still a pretty horrible thing since the store or seller is the one who loses out in the end as they see the money taken away from them in a flash.

saludos,
jer...

This surprises me, since I have one of these phones, and the resolution on the images is so bad I don't know how anyone could get a good shot of a credit card with it... it would have to be really close up!

it depends on the phone model.

some of the cams are pretty decent.

a would-be credit card defrauder could easily rest his hand on the counter next to your card and snao the shot up close.

saludos,
jer...