It caught my eye on my Starbucks run – an article in the Trib about the increase in debit card fraud, and how you can avoid it. I thought it was actually very informational, and wanted to share a few of the tips here. If you are an avid card swiper (Coffee shop, McDonald’s, gas station, Target, etc.), remember…

1. Take a good look at the card reader prior to swiping your debit/credit card. Jiggle it and casually pry at the keypad. If it’s loose, don’t use it. Keypad overlays used by thieves can record your PIN and false magnetic readers can also take the account information off your card.

2. Always try to shield your hand typing in a PIN with your other hand.

3. Try to use card readers that are in plain sight, such as the gas pumps that are closest to or in line of sight of the cashier inside.

4. If you can choose between credit and debit, credit cards are usually easier to protest charges.

5. Why not just pay cash?

Technorati Tags: North Shore Chicago shopping, credit cards, debit cards, credit card fraud, debit card fraud

A shout-out to any Martha Stewart fan – the high priestess of home decor, cooking and entertaining will grace us with her presence this Thursday at The Book Stall at Chestnut Court in Winnetka! Here’s what you need to know:

Time: Thursday, October 30, 2008 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm, Winnetka
Purchase required: Yep – tix are a must for an audience with Martha, which can be obtained by purchasing “Martha Stewart’s Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook.”
Phone: Call for availability, 847.446.8880

Technorati Tags: Martha Stewart, Book Stall at Chestnut Court, North Shore Chicago bookstores, Winnetka bookstores, North Shore Chicago author appearances

We mentioned it in this week’s newsletter: Broadway star Dudu Fisher at Centre East in Skokie. Now? You can get tickets at a discounted rate through HotTix.org! Here’s the info:

“Jerusalem”
Dudu Fisher
Centre East at North Shore Center for Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

Saturday 8:00pm $40.75 buy now or at Hot Tix outlet

[North Shore Chicago entertainment, North Shore Centre for the Performing Arts, Dudu Fisher, Skokie entertainment [/tags]