| Ask any law enforcement officer what causes a rise | | | | lucrative to steal $10 from 1000 people than to try and |
| in crime and he will tell you a recession or economic | | | | steal $10,000 from one person. Why? Who is going to |
| decline. The recent global downturn may well account | | | | miss the odd $10 here and there yet most people |
| for the rise in debit card fraud being perpetuated or it | | | | would notice if $10,000 went missing from their bank |
| could be explained by the fact that it is so easy to | | | | account. So reconcile all transactions at least on a |
| scam people online. Whatever the reason, you need to | | | | weekly basis and query any ones that you do not |
| find out how to protect yourself before you find you | | | | recognize. |
| are the next victim. | | | | 3) Be vigilant. Debit card fraud in gas stations is big |
| 1) You should sign up for debit card fraud protection on | | | | business as it is so easy to fit a skimming device to |
| all of your bank accounts if your bank offers such a | | | | the pump. So get used to paying for your gas with |
| service. If they don't, you might want to consider | | | | cash or else use a credit card which offers better |
| changing providers. This facility will alert your bank if | | | | protection against fraud. If something appears |
| there is unusual activity on your account. Yes it can be | | | | suspicious walk away. If you try to use an ATM and it |
| a pain if you suddenly decide that you must have that | | | | appears to be slower or bulkier than normal, leave and |
| purse which costs $2000 and your bank stops your | | | | report your suspicions to the bank. Always hide your |
| card being processed. But if it helps to protect your | | | | PIN number as you never know who may be |
| money, I think you will agree it is worth having. | | | | watching. |
| 2) Learn to reconcile your bank accounts. People often | | | | By following these tips you should reduce your |
| believe that scam artists only target large sums of | | | | chances of becoming the next victim of these |
| money. This is completely untrue. It is actually more | | | | fraudsters today. |