In the U.S. federal law says that if your card is stolen and you report it, you have not liability. Even if you don’t report it at all, your maximum liability is $50. And most credit card issuers will not hold you liable at all for any fraudulent use. So it won’t cost you a penny here.
Like I said - go into a dark room with a really bright LED flashlight. Hold the flashlight tight against the back of the card, and move it around looking for the copper traces of the loop antenna (also induction power for the chip) You should be able to see the shadow through the plastic. Usually it runs around the edge of the card, but sometimes one leg is down the middle just above the signature panel. Take a utility knife, score the card short lines across the traces deep enough to cut those traces and the tap will not work - easy to test after. The only card this did not work on was a very dark-coloured card. Just don’t cut near the chip or contacts.
Why do this? If you don’t realize the card has been taken, and its drawing off your bank account instead of credit, then it’s your money in limbo until they decide you are telling the truth.
The store I cashier at does not require a PIN for any transaction, and only requires a signature for amounts over fifty dollars.
Well, that is my actual signature.
It is evidently Bear_Nenno’s now also by consistently using it.