Be Careful of Debit Card Fraud 

Some people prefer using a debit card vs. a credit card to avoid overspending, and not carry too much cash.  It's easier than writing a check, even though your debit card charges are instantly withdrawn from your account.  Unfortunately, criminals have found ways to take advantage of using ATM cards to rob people and banks of millions of dollars each year.

To avoid being a victim, use vigilance and be aware of your surroundings.  If you're making a purchase, make sure nobody is watching you enter your PIN number.  If you go to an ATM to withdraw cash, make sure there is nobody lurking around and, at a drive-through, the cars ahead and behind you are at a proper distance. 

A common scam involves calling the potential victim, claiming to be from a bank and needing to verify account information. Many people will offer the information when asked. Alternately, the criminal may call you with a sales offer that you can't resist. When you're fully hooked, they'll then ask for card information to make the purchase.  Some will even e-mail unsuspecting cardholders asking for account information.  A good way to avoid this is to ask for the number and name of the person and call them back to insure they are really calling from your bank.  Or, ask for the sales offer in writing through the mail to insure it is a legitimate business.  Any ethical business with understand your caution.  If they become upset, hang up the phone.

Some of the more bold thieves will place a card reader (something that can be purchased easily if the person knows where to look) in plain site at an ATM, along with a paper asking the customer to use that fake machine instead of the legitimate ATM it's attached to. The papers will occasionally even offer free card cleaning.  They are stealing your account information.

Given the rising threat of debit card fraud, banks are now instituting policies to help protect its customers. Some stores now require you to enter in your zip code or a security code written on the back on the card to be able to use it. If the information doesn't match, the card is denied and banks are more likely to forgive charges a customer says are fraudulent. There are several other things you can do to protect yourself from debit card fraud.

Make sure you write down every debit card purchase or ATM withdrawal transaction on the spot, usually in your check book register.  Then, keep on top of your checking account. Make sure you read your statements carefully, and ideally open on-line access to your bank statement so you can review the activity any time you want.  If your card is stolen, or you discover fraudulant charges on your account, notify your bank immediately.  Make sure you have your statement on hand when you call.