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10 Tips For Protecting Your Debit Card From Fraud
How well do you keep your debit card (ATM card)? Would you give anyone access to your bank accounts, unfortunately you are doing just that when you keep your credit cards carelessly, debit card takes money directly from your account, which makes them juicy target for fraudsters. Here are few tips that will help you protect yourself from card skimming or any form of fraud.
1. Update Your Bank Information Regularly: Update your the contact information (i.e. mobile number, e-mail, address, etc.) that you gave to the bank regularly. This will make it faster for the bank to notify you of any suspicious transactions.
2. Be smart with online transactions: Shop with credible merchants and look for secure transaction symbols like the “lock” icon on your browser that starts with “https”. Avoid using public hotspots for online payments, log out from a site properly after you make a purchase, if you can’t log off close your browser to protect your personal information.
3.Do a regular Check: Check your account balance and transaction history regularly. If you see anything suspicious, immediately report it to the bank. Review account statements from your financial institution or credit union when you get them, or better still sign up for electronic banking to get secure online access to your account day or night. Report any problems or questions, including transactions you think may be unauthorised, right away. Again, quick action can limit misuse and save you money.
4.Keep your PIN a secret
You are advised to memorise your PIN, and never write it on your card or store it with your card. Do not let anyone else enter your PIN for you. Don’t give your PIN over the telephone. No company or person should ever ask for your PIN, not even your bank or credit union. If you use your debit card to make a purchase by phone, never disclose your PIN. Always keep your PIN a secret?)
5.Don’t wait
If your card is lost or stolen, report it to your financial institution right away. By notifying your bank or credit union immediately, you reduce the chance that your card will be used improperly. Even better, you limit your potential liability – translation: the money you actually lose – for unauthorised transactions by scammers or hackers.
6.Watch your email
Email is probably the most common method of identity theft and electronic fraud. Don’t provide your debit or credit card number, PIN or other personal information in response to an unsolicited email or online request. Electronic security pros recommend different PINs for different accounts. And it’s a good idea to change your PINs often.
7. Be Vigilant: Be vigilant of your surroundings when approaching and using an ATM. Make it a habit to cover your hand and pin pad as you enter your PIN on the ATM.
8. Destroy Old cards: If you receive a new card, make sure to destroy your old one. Make sure to cut across the magnetic strip and destroy the chip.
9. Protect your card
If the magnetic stripe on the back of your card is damaged or demagnetised, the “swipe and buy” process cannot work. So don’t expose your card to magnetic objects, dirt and grit, keys or other objects that can nick the stripe.
10. If you’re planning to use your card abroad, let the bank know your travel dates and destination.
1. Update Your Bank Information Regularly: Update your the contact information (i.e. mobile number, e-mail, address, etc.) that you gave to the bank regularly. This will make it faster for the bank to notify you of any suspicious transactions.
2. Be smart with online transactions: Shop with credible merchants and look for secure transaction symbols like the “lock” icon on your browser that starts with “https”. Avoid using public hotspots for online payments, log out from a site properly after you make a purchase, if you can’t log off close your browser to protect your personal information.
3.Do a regular Check: Check your account balance and transaction history regularly. If you see anything suspicious, immediately report it to the bank. Review account statements from your financial institution or credit union when you get them, or better still sign up for electronic banking to get secure online access to your account day or night. Report any problems or questions, including transactions you think may be unauthorised, right away. Again, quick action can limit misuse and save you money.
4.Keep your PIN a secret
You are advised to memorise your PIN, and never write it on your card or store it with your card. Do not let anyone else enter your PIN for you. Don’t give your PIN over the telephone. No company or person should ever ask for your PIN, not even your bank or credit union. If you use your debit card to make a purchase by phone, never disclose your PIN. Always keep your PIN a secret?)
5.Don’t wait
If your card is lost or stolen, report it to your financial institution right away. By notifying your bank or credit union immediately, you reduce the chance that your card will be used improperly. Even better, you limit your potential liability – translation: the money you actually lose – for unauthorised transactions by scammers or hackers.
6.Watch your email
Email is probably the most common method of identity theft and electronic fraud. Don’t provide your debit or credit card number, PIN or other personal information in response to an unsolicited email or online request. Electronic security pros recommend different PINs for different accounts. And it’s a good idea to change your PINs often.
7. Be Vigilant: Be vigilant of your surroundings when approaching and using an ATM. Make it a habit to cover your hand and pin pad as you enter your PIN on the ATM.
8. Destroy Old cards: If you receive a new card, make sure to destroy your old one. Make sure to cut across the magnetic strip and destroy the chip.
9. Protect your card
If the magnetic stripe on the back of your card is damaged or demagnetised, the “swipe and buy” process cannot work. So don’t expose your card to magnetic objects, dirt and grit, keys or other objects that can nick the stripe.
10. If you’re planning to use your card abroad, let the bank know your travel dates and destination.
