What Is the Safest Way to Use a Debit Card?
- The safest way to use a debit card is to request a PIN-only credit card. This means that money can never be taken off of the card without the use of a PIN (personal identification number), or secret code. This is especially important because thieves have learned how to clear the money from the account without the use of a PIN. If you have a PIN-only debit card that would not be possible.
The next step is to keep your PIN a secret. Memorize it and do not tell anybody your PIN, and do not let the sales representative enter the PIN for you. Do not write the PIN down on the card or anywhere near the card. Also, change your PIN every once in a while, and try not to use numbers that might be easy to guess, such as your birth date or address.
If you are using your card to shop online, make sure that the website you are making a purchase from is a secure website. This means that your debit card number will be encrypted when it is sent so that it cannot be read by hackers. In order to tell that the website is secure, notice the "https" in the address line before the web address. The "s" stands for secure. If the website only reads "http" you will know that it is not secure. You might notice that only the checkout page of a website is secure; don't assume that the website is not secure if there is no "s" on the homepage.
When entering your PIN in a public location such as a cash machine or gas station, make sure to cover the key pad with your free hand as you enter it. Take somebody with you to the machine if possible, and try to stay in public and well-lit areas while you are getting cash out.
Monitor your account closely and report suspicious activity at once. If your card is lost or stolen, be sure to report it immediately. It will be easier to get fraudulent charges taken care of by the bank if they are reported right away.