Your debit card provides convenient ways to access your cash and a variety of payments, all while keeping your private information secured. But, remember there are individuals out there looking for ways to access the sensitive information stored on your debit card, however managing your money through your debit card is smart. Listed below are several tips on debit card security so you as a member can rest easily.
Don’t use ATM machines that look to be in poor condition or modified in any way.
Inform your financial institution ahead of time if you’ll be traveling out of state or to another country so any of your purchases during that time don’t appear skeptical.
Notify your financial institution in order to be informed of any suspicious activity on your account.
Destroy any unused debit cards. If you receive a new card, make sure to destroy your old debit card.
Always make sure you cautiously enter your PIN at the ATM or point-of-sale location. You can use your body as a “shield” to prevent onlookers from collecting your information.
Never allow a cashier or other 3rd party to enter your PIN for you, even if they are trying to help with the transaction.
Carefully review your statements each month and lookout for any unusual activity.
Don’t allow the magnetic strip of your card to come in contact with any magnetic objects like the checkout counter. (It can clear the data stored on your card).
Be conscious about where you store your card. It should be somewhere private and discreet. Avoid leaving it laying around at home or at work.
If your card is lost or stolen, be sure to contact your financial institution immediately. The faster you report it, the more options you have in protecting yourself.
Be smart with online transactions. Look for secure transactions symbols, such as the “lock icon in the lower right-hand corner of your browser window or websites that begin with “https.”
Don’t share your card information via email. This is a common way for hackers to access your personal data.
Be aware of your surroundings when using a public ATM. If, by any chance you notice anything suspicious as you are completing your transactions or as you are leaving, don’t ever hesitate to contact the police.
Don’t write your PIN number in your wallet or anywhere that can be easily found by others. Best practice is to memorize your PIN and keep a written record somewhere safe.