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Experts say shoppers should watch how they pay

Page Last Updated: Tuesday November 24, 2009 3:21pm PST

Victoria Campbell, News 4

Just about everyone swipes plastic debit cards and credit cards-especially during the holiday season.

But experts are warning customers to be extra-vigilant when it comes to their holiday expenditures at so-called "Point of Sale" terminals at cash registers.

"These are computers that are connected from the front of the store to the back of the store," said Ira Victor of DataClone Labs, "and from the back of the store to the main office to the bank. And many of these Point of Sale systems have security problems in one of those links.

"You'll never know it until it's too late."

Renee Gloyd of First Independent Bank of Nevada says most credit and debit cards carry protections for consumers, but she says consumers have to keep careful track of their cards and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible.

"You really want to be an avid consumer and be educated," said Gloyd. "If there is any suspicious activity, the key is timeliness. Immediately report that to your financial institution or credit card issuer."

There are three nationally recognized credit reporting institutions in the United States, and News 4 has posted links to each. You can find them here.

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