| When we hear the words card fraud, rarely do we | | | | you're using a drive-thru machine, ensure your car |
| think of debit cards. Credit card fraud is consistently on | | | | doors are locked. |
| the rise due to their wide use and convenience which | | | | ** Keep your PIN number private. Do not write it down |
| makes them desirable targets. Obviously, it's a smart | | | | any place, especially on the back of your card! |
| idea to protect our credit cards. | | | | ** Never walk away from an ATM with cash in your |
| However our debit cards require the same due care | | | | hand. Put everything back in its place before leaving |
| and attention. Something as simple as using an ATM | | | | the machine. |
| machine can result in card fraud. Debit card fraud is on | | | | Vigilance is the key to avoidance, so if you're an avid |
| the rise and in its own way, is even more damaging to | | | | card user it pays to be aware. In the event you're |
| us personally than credit card fraud. Most credit cards | | | | wondering how card fraud could happen to you, here |
| carry with them a certain amount of liability. Credit card | | | | are a few of the more common thievery practices: |
| companies are constantly on the watch for abnormal | | | | Stolen purse or wallet. The thief finds your PIN number |
| account behaviour. This is not so with our debit cards. | | | | written on something or figures it out from a birth date |
| If our debit cards are compromised, we can be | | | | or SIN number in your identification. They now have |
| financially wiped out in seconds without any retribution | | | | access to your accounts. |
| whatsoever. Our debit cards simply don't come with | | | | Your card suddenly becomes jammed in the machine |
| any insurance. | | | | and a helpful stranger appears to suggest you input |
| There are recent reports that debit card fraud is | | | | your PIN number a few more times. The card remains |
| growing at more than double the rate of credit card | | | | jammed and you eventually leave. There are devices |
| fraud. If you are an avid debit card user, perhaps some | | | | that intentionally jam cards in bank machines. When |
| of these tips can help keep you protected. | | | | you leave, they retrieve your card and access your |
| ** Report lost or stolen cards as soon as they go | | | | PIN number. |
| missing. | | | | Illegal machines set up at businesses. Your card is |
| ** Check your receipts against your monthly | | | | swiped through the real debit machine and a second |
| statements. | | | | swipe guarantees them a copy of your card. Hidden |
| ** If you no longer need your ATM receipts, tear them | | | | cameras record your PIN number. |
| up. | | | | These are a few of the more common methods used |
| ** When selecting a PIN number, do not select | | | | to scam cards. If you are suffering from bad credit |
| something that would be obvious. In the event your | | | | due to debit card fraud, contacting the credit reporting |
| card compromised, you could be held liable. | | | | agencies to rectify the situation is a must. Also, there |
| ** When using an ATM, ensure your privacy. Don't be | | | | are many financial lending institutions that can offer |
| shy about protecting your PIN number. | | | | private loans to get you back on your feet and allow |
| ** Use terminals that are well used, well lit and that you | | | | you to gain access to quick cash while you wait for |
| are familiar with, preferably terminals inside banks. If | | | | your new credit or debit card to arrive. |