Self-Scans Make It Easy for Credit Card Thieves

I like the self-scans grocery stores are using. It's often easier and faster to scan my own items than to get in a clerk-scanned lane. The bad thing is, self-scans also make it easier for credit thieves to rack up charges and get away with it. Since there's no clerk checking IDs on credit card transactions, a thief can easily use your credit card to buy groceries or other merchandise (including gift cards for restaurants and other stores).

It's not just self-scans, but any store that gives shoppers the convenience of swiping their own cards. Convenience usually comes at a price, but identity theft isn't a fair trade off.

What, if anything, do you think stores can do to keep the convenience of self-scanning and self-swiping but keep credit card thieves from succeeding?

• Tips to Avoid Credit Card Scams
• What to Do About a Lost or Stolen Credit Card
• Security Freeze For Identity Theft Protection