Huh? Fraud Protection And Your Bank Card

Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
--- Bryan Adams

My bank is doing "everything possible" to protect me from fraudulent activities. That's reassuring. They're up to date with "new fraud protection and detection technologies". I'd expect nothing less.

I'm happy. I don't want self-appointed Robin Hoods stealing from me. I bet there's great news. Let's read on. They are "proposing to take the further step of adjusting the daily limits" on my bank card. Downward. Huh?

Maximum cash withdrawals are being slashed by 50% from $1,000 to $500. Debit card purchases drop from $3,000 to $1,000. That's 67% less!

I don't mind these changes. Making spending harder = Making saving easier. I just need to freeze my credit card in a tin can full of water (see Three Practical Ways To Increase Your Net Worth). I'm worried by the subtext: the war against fraud is being lost.

Everything Possible
Wouldn't doing everything possible include

• photo ID on the bank card
• embedded security better than a magnetic strip
• text messages to your cell phone whenever a transaction takes place

Those measures would be reassuring. Chopping usage limits sends the opposite message.

Thoughts on Sicko

I cannot believe, nor even pretend
That the thunder I hear, will just disappear
And the nightmare will end.
--- David Gilmour, Out Of The Blue

Sicko is not a balanced documentary. So what? Michael Moore has things to say. We can benefit by watching, even if we don't agree with all his points.

45 million Americans don't have health care. The 200 million who do, may not be getting good enough health care because of the profit motivations of the private suppliers. The United States is alone (among comparable countries) in not providing public healthcare.

Major Points
The film shows that the average person can get better health care in other countries such as Canada, Britain, France and Cuba. How can a country without healthy citizens excel? The American for-profit healthcare industry is not shown in a good light. The poor perceptions can add to anxiety in other countries regarding the likelihood of getting claims paid for disability, critical illness and long-term care.

Observations
Life often looks rosier in other places. France in particular looked like a country where life is much more balanced than it is here in Canada and the United States. Naturally, there are costs to providing the government services the French seem to enjoy.

I felt sad --- very sad --- to see that 9/11 rescue workers have not been getting proper medical care. Their actions were so selfless.

Sicko is well worth watching. You're sure to leave the theatre disturbed about the health care that Americans receive. Overall, I'm glad to be living in Canada with universal health care.

Happy Canada Day!

Links

• 'Sicko" numbers mostly accurate (CNN, June 30, 2007): "... surprisingly few inaccuracies in the film..."