Did you know that debit card fraud is one of the most common types of identity theft? It is a very serious problem that affects millions of people every year, and it can happen to anyone at any time.
Imagine checking your bank account and discovering unauthorized charges. That’s what happened to Donna, who’s emailing us asking this:
My debit card has been hit by hackers many times, and it’s such a pain that I have to get a new debit card. Is there any way to stop us from happening? – Donna
I’m sorry to hear that, Donna. It can be unbelievably frustrating to deal with unauthorized charges on your debit card and have to get a new one, so today, we’ll try our best to help you avoid this in the future.
What is debit card fraud?
Debit card fraud is like a thief breaking into your house and stealing your cash and valuables. In this case, the thief is someone who has obtained your debit card number and, in some cases, your PIN number. The fraudster uses this information to make unauthorized purchases or withdraw money from your account, just as a thief would take your possessions.
How does debit card fraud happen?
Your information could be stolen in many ways, such as through a retailer’s data breach or by falling victim to a phishing scam where you unknowingly reveal your debit card details.
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How to prevent debit card fraud?
Here are some steps you can take to help you prevent crooks from gaining access to your debit card:
Keep your card safe physically: Store your debit card in a secure place when not in use. Don’t write down your PIN, or keep it with your card. Be cautious when using your debit card in public places, and shield your PIN when entering it.
Use strong PINs: Choose a unique and strong PIN that isn’t easily guessable. Avoid using numbers like your birthdate, address, or easily recognizable sequences. Don’t share your PIN with anyone.
Create strong, unique passwords
Use biometric authentication: This can provide an extra layer of security and convenience for you.
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Regularly review your transactions: Frequently monitor your bank statements and transaction history for any authorized or suspicious transactions. Set up account alerts for large transactions or any activity that falls outside your normal spending patterns.
Enable transaction notifications: Many banks offer text or email alerts for transactions made with your debit card. Enable these notifications to be immediately aware of any activity on your card.
Use secure networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions. Public WiFi networks are often unencrypted and vulnerable to hackers who can intercept your data or infect your device with malware.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): When accessing your financial accounts over public networks, you should use a VPN. We recommend
Beware of phishing scams: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for your debit card information or login credentials. It could be a phishing scam. Never click on suspicious links or images or download attachments from unknown sources.
Have strong antivirus software on all your devices:
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Regularly update your software: Keep your computer, smartphone, and other devices updated with the latest security patches and updates.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA): If your bank offers two-factor authentication, enable it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
Use secure ATMs: Whenever possible, use ATMs that are located in well-lit and secure areas. Avoid ATMs that appear tampered with or have suspicious devices attached to them or point-of-sale terminals.
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Regularly monitor your credit reports: Check your credit reports for any unusual activity that might indicate fraud or identity theft. If you find any errors or discrepancies on your credit reports, contact the credit bureaus and the creditors involved as soon as possible to dispute them.
Consider debit card controls and mobile apps: Some banks offer apps that allow you to turn your card on or off instantly, set spending limits, and receive notifications for transactions.
Make purchases from trusted sites: Only use reputable and secure websites for online shopping and payments. Look for a padlock symbol in the address bar before entering your card details.
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Beware of e-skimmers: E-skimmers are a form of online fraud that targets e-commerce websites and steals payment card information from unsuspecting customers. Hackers slip these lines of code onto a website’s payment pages, and they’re like ticking time bombs for online shopping sites. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got the constant worry of data breaches hanging over our heads.
Pay close attention to the web address: If the web address starts with “https,” you’re on a safer track. That little “s” stands for secure and hat’s what you want when you’re sharing info online.
Avoid skimmers:
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What to do if you are a victim of debit card fraud?
Contact your bank immediately
Report the fraudulent transactions and request to freeze or cancel your debit card. Your bank will investigate the fraud and may issue you a new card and a refund. Depending on your bank’s policy, you may have to file a written claim or a police report to support your case.
Review your bank statements and credit reports
Check for any other unauthorized charges or suspicious activity on your accounts. You can also get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you find any errors or signs of identity theft, dispute them with the credit bureau and the creditor.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
With roughly 400,000 Americans experiencing card-related identity theft a year, it seems you can never be too cautious these days. Attempting to minimize the amount of your sensitive information available and being careful about where you are purchasing items from are actions you should monitor. Remember, following these steps will not eliminate all chances of your debit card being stolen or some fraud occurring. However, the likelihood of that happening will drastically reduce if you abide by them.
Have you ever been a victim of debit card fraud? How did you deal with it, and what did you learn from it? Let us know by commenting below.
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