7 Tips for Using a Debit Card Safely
Debit card theft and financial identity theft is on the rise. These days hackers and thieves know that the majority of people are paying for their everyday purchases with plastic. Gone are the days when most financial transactions were done with cash. It’s just quicker and easier to whip out your debit card and to go about your day.
Since theft is on the rise…we wanted to share these 7 Tips for Using a Debit Card Safely with all of our readers.
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1. When you need cash at night, ONLY use machines that are in well-lit and safe areas. If possible, go through a bank’s drive-thru to use the ATM machine there, instead of getting out of your car.
2. Never give out your PIN (personal identification number) to anyone and don’t write it down! It’s important to memorize it and don’t insert your PIN into any machine when someone is directly watching you.
3. Receive a new and updated card? Make sure you put your signature on the back of the card immediately and double-check all of the information on the card. Shred and dispose of old cards immediately. Don’t let them lie around or the kids play with them!
4. Always make sure you review your transaction receipt immediately after any transaction and keep all of your receipts for future reference. If there are any discrepancies, take care of those immediately. Do not toss transaction receipts into the public trash. All receipts need to be shredded and disposed of at home.
5. After a transaction at a terminal or at a place of business, always make sure you leave with your card! Matter of fact, get into the habit of placing the card, cash and/or receipts in your pocket, wallet or handbag before walking away. You never want to walk around with cash and cards in your hand.
6. Misplace your card? Stolen card? You want to report these as soon as you realize your card is gone!
7. Be careful when you shop online! While most retail businesses online are safe to shop at…you always want to double check to make sure you are logged into the retailer’s site securely and make sure you log out completely. Never give out your account numbers or PIN in email or on an un-secure web form.
Bonus Tip: Invest in a RFID blocking wallet and handbag! The RFID protection will protect you against pick-pocketing thieves! These type’s of products are inexpensive and well-worth your investment!!!
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!
