How to Prevent Fraud With Safe Debit Cards

Debit cards work electronically like credit cards, but are less secure since they automatically transfer money from your bank account. Debit card charges are completed quickly and you are not given the opportunity to review the charges before money is taken from your account. It is important to be extremely careful when using your debit card.

Instructions

1

Monitor your bank account. If you notice someone is using your card fraudulently and you notify your debit card company within two days of missing your card, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act limits your losses to $50, according to Sandra Block, of "USA Today." If you wait until your bank statement is mailed to notice and report the theft, you could lose up to $500. You lose all legal protection if you wait longer than 60 days after your statement is mailed. Keep a close eye on your account and be sure that you know where your card is.

2

Use a PIN-only card. Sandra Block also recommends using a card that requires you to give your PIN number every time you use it. Even if you lose a PIN-only card, potential thieves would have to know the number to use the card. Thieves could fake the signature necessary to use a signature-based card. You should also avoid keeping your PIN number anywhere in you wallet or purse. Even if you do not write the number directly on the card, a thief could easily deduce that the four-digit number was your PIN.

3

Do not respond to emails asking for your debit card information. Potential identity thieves often send emails that look like they come from banks, stores or other institutions that may need your billing information. Sandra Block points out that legitimate financial institutions will not send emails requesting sensitive information. If you are unsure, call your bank or visit in person to make certain that you are giving your information to the correct people.

4

Be careful when using your debit card online. Only provide your debit card information to sites that you trust and decline if the site offers to save your payment information. Make sure that your computer's anti-virus and firewall programs are up to date and working. If spyware is allowed to stay on your computer, it could record the information you input and send it to potential identity thieves. Instead of the debit card, use a credit card for online purchases because of the enhanced security they offer.