Preventing Debit Card Fraud

Your debit card is as necessary to have on hand as your cell phone, but that makes it an easy target for thieves. Cybercrimes mean scammers don’t even need a physical card to illegally retrieve your account information. To avoid becoming a victim of debit card fraud, here are some tips:

• Check your bank statements immediately. Make sure all payments are yours.  
• Periodically check your account balance and transactions. by utilizing online banking, by telephone or by printing interim statements at the ATM.   
• Contact your bank immediately if your card is lost or stolen.  
• Keep a record of card numbers, PINs, expiration dates and 1-800 numbers for banks. This way, you can contact the issuing bank easily in cases of theft.  
• Memorize your PIN number. Do not use your birth date, address, phone number or Social Security number. Never store your PIN with your card, and do not make it available to others.  
• Keep your receipts. You'll need them to check your statement. If they have your account number on them, tear up or shred receipts before throwing them away.  
• Mark through any blank spaces on debit slips, including the tip line at restaurants. This prevents fraudsters from changing the total amount.  
• Know your limits. Many issuers limit daily purchases and withdrawals for your protection.  
• Do not use an ATM if it looks suspicious. It could be a skimming device.  
• Be wary of those trying to help you. People who offer to help, especially when an ATM “eats” your card, may be trying to steal your card number and PIN.
• Do not give your PIN number to anyone over the phone. Often thieves steal cards and then call the victim for their PIN, sometimes claiming to be law enforcement or the issuing bank. 
• Utilize Debit Card Controls in the BFCU Mobile App. You decide when, how and where your BFCU Visa® Credit Card is used! Set transaction restrictions, set alerts and turn your card on and off, all in real-time using BFCU’s Mobile app.

For more tips and information, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.ftc.gov.