The security used by the nation's banks is so pitifully antiquated that even the criminals are complaining that crime does not pay any longer!

In a true case of supply and demand, there are so many stolen credit card numbers floating around that each one is now worth less than 60 cents!

The problem is that we still use 45-year old magnetic strip technology on the back of our credit cards. Meanwhile, much of the rest of the world is using smart chip technology. Smart chips require you to enter an additional secret code -- so you're protected even if someone steals your credit card number.

According to PC Magazine, the big thing now is for criminals to steal PINs from debit cards. That allows them to empty your checking account, and then you get stuck with overdraft fees.

Where are the breaches happening? About a third of the time, it takes place at a retailer. Another third of time, it takes place from within the banking sector. And the rest of the time, it occurs at a variety of places like hotels and restaurants.

The main culprits are crooked employees doing inside jobs.

We get calls on the show where this happens and the banks typically treat you like you're guilty until proven innocent. The banks assume it's your fault and you're behind the ruse.

So how can you protect yourself? One solution is to turn off the 'debit' function on your debit card. See how one listener got his credit union to do just that.

If that doesn't appeal to you, it's then your responsibility to check your account each and every day of the year to nip any theft in the bud.

Remember, there's precious little protection under the law for you otherwise. There's no requirement for the bank to return your money in a timely fashion, nor for them to remove any overdraft fees you may incur.