It’s the time of year when retail companies are filling up your inboxes with ads for special deals on items and promotions. Whether you take advantage of those deals or not, you’re still at risk for being targeted by fraudsters.
Do you know what to do to protect yourself? Here’s a few debit card tips:
- Carry only the cards you need. They can’t be stolen or lost if they aren’t in your purse or pocket.
- Keep credit/debit cards close. Never leave your wallet or purse unattended.
- Never let your card out of your sight. Skimming devices, which record card information, can be hidden in a hand or under a counter.
- Don’t lend your card to a friend or family member. No matter how much you trust them, your card isn’t in your control if you don’t have it.
- Always check your receipts and look for unauthorized charges on your statement. If anything looks fishy, report it immediately.
- Make a list of card numbers, expiration dates, and the toll-free numbers of your financial institution. Keep this record in a safe place (not in your wallet, with your cards) so you have access to it in an emergency.
And a few more regarding online shopping:
- When shopping online, check to be sure the sites are reputable and secure. Look for web addresses with “https” in the address.
- Don’t shop online using public Wi-Fi. Hackers can easily gain access and steal your information.
- Don’t respond to emails asking for personal financial information, they are likely phishing emails designed to capture passwords, logins, credit card details etc.
And, finally, always – ALWAYS – report lost cards and suspected fraud right away!
More Tips for Protecting Your Money this Holiday Season