topic Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader? in Credit Cards

Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

coreysw12 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:07:42 GMT

About a week ago, I PC'd my CSP to a CSR. Around the same time as my CSR arrived via UPS, I got an unmarked package in my USPS mailbox with a USB credit card chip reader in it. The envelope did not say who it was from, and did not contain any materials or information inside. Just a chip reader in an envelope - and that's it.

The only thing I can think of is that Chase may have sent it to me to use with my new card, but then why didn't my CSP come with one? And why can I not find any information online whatsoever about the card coming with one?

Also, I have absolutely no idea what I'm supposed to do with it. Considering I have no idea where it came from (only guessing it came from Chase), I'm obviously apprehensive about plugging this mystery device into my computer and inserting a credit card into it.

Anyone have any ideas about this? Or a web link where I can find more information about it? If I can't figure out where it came from or what its purpose is, it'll likely just end up in the trash bin.

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:13:50 GMT

I very much doubt it was from Chase, certainly never got one with my CSR and as you saw, not mentioned on line. Why would they send such a thing, it's of no interest/use to most customers.

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

CaptJOB — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:30:23 GMT

Sounds like some phishing stuff. I would destroy and forget.

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

cashorcharge — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:47:27 GMT

That is NOT from Chase! Toss it...please!

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

wasCB14 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:50:01 GMT

You don't have any obscure cards. If this was from an issuer, there would be reports on other sites if not here. I don't see anything.

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

K-in-Boston — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:53:25 GMT

Definitely not from Chase. The only time I am aware of consumers being sent any device like that was when Blue from American Express was first released about 20 years ago, it came with a reader for the chip (different that today's modern EMV chip) that could be used with a computer for secure purchases at select websites.

If this is not a device that you ordered, I would certainly not use it.

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

coreysw12 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:11:15 GMT

Thanks for the info everyone. Definitely seems phishy to me. I wouldn't have any use for it even if it was legit, so into the trash bin it goes!

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

M_Smart007 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:17:32 GMT

As suggested, toss it in the trash. Do not plug it in to your computer!

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:22:57 GMT

@M_Smart007 wrote:
As suggested, toss it in the trash. Do not plug it in to your computer!

Or, if you are like me, go through your recent orders on various sites. Then you MIGHT find "Multi-function USB EMV chip card reader" and say "Oh yes, now I remember!" But if you don't, yes, throw away.

I just got a package from "Radio Systems Corporation" which I didn't recognize, but is the parent company of Petsafe, a company I did actually order from!

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

wasCB14 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:23:32 GMT

Maybe a gift from someone?

I once got a refurbished Kindle in the mail. I was about to contact Amazon and inform them of the error when I heard from one relative that another relative had sent it to me as a gift.

I never used it. No idea where it is now. If I don't need to do it on mobile I like to have a giant desktop.

Amex once sent me some sort of "smart" dogtag/keychain. I think my phone at the time was too old to use it, though. Also not sure where it is now. But they were very clear that it was an Amex/SPG joint promo.

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

Aim_High — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:50:40 GMT

Agreed with above posters that it certainly sounds suspicious! I'd be careful and probably just discard it.

I'm just wondering though, @coreysw12, if whether this might be from an employer or business acquaintance for use at your job? Do you ever accept any forms of payments as a part of your job? Although I would expect it to be better labeled if coming from a company, it is possible that it could be a valid and innocent shipment. You might want to hang onto it (but not use it) until you eliminate the possibilities it is above board.

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

coreysw12 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 20:22:27 GMT

@Aim_High wrote:
Agreed with above posters that it certainly sounds suspicious! I'd be careful and probably just discard it.

I'm just wondering though, @coreysw12, if whether this might be from an employer or business acquaintance for use at your job? Do you ever accept any forms of payments as a part of your job? Although I would expect it to be better labeled if coming from a company, it is possible that it could be a valid and innocent shipment. You might want to hang onto it (but not use it) until you eliminate the possibilities it is above board.

Definitely isn't anything work-related. Also definitely not a gift from someone. It's not something I would ever use, or that anyone would ever expect me to use for anything, so it's already found its way to the curbside trash can

Re: Does CSR come with a USB chip reader?

K-in-Boston — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 23:54:30 GMT

@wasCB14 wrote:
Maybe a gift from someone?

I once got a refurbished Kindle in the mail. I was about to contact Amazon and inform them of the error when I heard from one relative that another relative had sent it to me as a gift.

I never used it. No idea where it is now. If I don't need to do it on mobile I like to have a giant desktop.

Amex once sent me some sort of "smart" dogtag/keychain. I think my phone at the time was too old to use it, though. Also not sure where it is now. But they were very clear that it was an Amex/SPG joint promo.

Generic version of Tile device. Not sure where mine is either but at least I still have the photo!