Do eelskin wallets demagnetize bank teller cards?
Dear Cecil: I hope you’ll be able to solve the mystery behind eelskin wallets and their supposed ability to demagnetize my automatic bank teller card, rendering it completely useless. After going through four new plastic cards in as many weeks, I complained to the bank and was told that I was either (1) exposing them to excessive heat, water, or microwaves; (2) scratching them; or (3) keeping them in an eelskin purse or wallet. When I answered affirmatively about the eelskin, I was told it’s demagnetizing the black strip on the back of the card. When I asked how eelskin could do this, the only response was, we don’t know, it just happens. I have asked others with eelskin wallets and they’ve been told similar tales. What goes on? — V.W.
