Got a PIN number - but for what?

[disneysteve]

In the mail yesterday, I got one of those secure mailer things where you have to tear off three edge tabs to get inside. I opened it carefully to find my Personal Identification Number "to give you added safety when using electronic terminals that accept your card."

That's very nice, but there is absolutely nothing in the mailing to indicate who sent it or what card it is for. No company name. No last 4 digits of an account number. Nothing. Just the PIN.

The only thing I can think of is that it belongs to one of the prepaid Visa cards that I've gotten from doing surveys but I get quite a few of those. There is no way to associate it with any particular card. Seems like that would have been something important for them to include when they mailed me the PIN.

[bjl584]

Was there a phone number to call for info?

[disneysteve]

Was there a phone number to call for info?

Nope. All it had was the PIN and 5 instructions for use.

1. Memorize your PIN. Then destroy the form or keep it in a safe place
2. Do not carry your PIN with your card.
3. Do not write the PIN on the card.
4. Only people authorized to use your card should know your PIN.
5. Report immediately if the card is lost or stolen or someone gets your PIN.

There was no other information. Nothing but a PO Box as the return address on the outside.

[JoeP]

I've gotten those before, and they usually come about 2 weeks after getting a card.

If you don't remember getting a card, pull your credit report!

[disneysteve]

I've gotten those before, and they usually come about 2 weeks after getting a card.

If you don't remember getting a card, pull your credit report!

I'm actually pretty sure I know what it's from. I got a prepaid card from a survey about a week ago. I get them all the time but this was the first time I got one from this particular company. I've never before gotten a PIN though. Doesn't matter. I already spent the money on the card. I still think it is pretty strange that they do nothing to identify what the PIN is for.

[GrimJack]

I am with JoelP - I would be worried that someone opened up an account in my name or a card came in the mail that got intercepted. I don't know about the prepaid card, I have only received one and used it like cash until it was gone - no PIN that I know of.

[scottgriffin]

Why Even Need A Pin

Well the only pin number that I have is for my debit card. I think it's so stupid that they have to send it to you in the mail. I don't understand why you can't just set it up at the bank when you register for a debit card.

[bjl584]

Usually those prepaid reward cards from rebates don't require a PIN. They usually run as credit.

[disneysteve]

Usually those prepaid reward cards from rebates don't require a PIN. They usually run as credit.

Not if you want to use them to get cash from an ATM.