How to avoid Debit card fraud and protect your Cards

If you believe as I did that you get the same protection with debit cards as you do with credit cards, think again. If your debit card is "skimmed"( swiping the card through a device that copys its security codes) thieves can clear out your bank account before you know about it.  Your bank will of course eventually cover the fraudulent charges. But in the meantime you could be left with an empty bank account, and your bank is not abliged to pay any over draft charges. Apart from the inconvenience, having your bank account raided is a traumatic experience to say the least.  As more people choose debit cards over credits,  debit card fraud is on the increase, as theives are targeting them.  Also financial experts  are recommending debit cards as a way of controlling finacial mismanagement. Thank heavens for credit cards!  however if we take certain procautions, its possible to avoid debit card fraud.  

Avoid using your card at places where the card is taken out of your sight.  At restaurants use a credit card or cash.  At gas stations pay at the pump and use your pin number.  Use credit cards when traveling.  If your planning a trip at home or abroad take credit cards. If you are traveling abroad be sure to notify  your credit card company. The United Kingdom  now requires using a pin number for credit card transaction as a new fraud prevention scheme. Avoid using your credit card on the web. Say  you use your debit card to make an online purchase,  which should arrive in one week.  Your goods never arrive so you complain to your bank.  If you had paid with a credit card, the credit card company will contact, the vendor on your behalf, dispute the charges and resolve the issue one way or another, with little or no grief to you. However ever if you paid with your debit card, your bank could leave you to dispute the issue with the seller, who has long since up and gone . Although banks have different policys on this, your bank and is not obliged to assists you.  You will just have to hope your bank takes mercy on your predicament.  

In the case of online fraud,  under the terms of the fair trading bill you are only liable for the first $50 of fraudulent charges, provided you notify your bank of the fraudulent  charges with in two days.  However if you didn’t notice the charges until after that time you could be liable for up to $500 in charges.  Avoid being stung, only use your debit card online if you are sure the site is safe. Register for online banking. Some banks will now text your balance so you can be more aware.