Debit Card Safety Tips
Ensuring the safety of your debit card is crucial in today’s digital age where identity theft and fraud are prevalent. Here are some tips to help keep your debit card (and bank account) safe.
- Be sure you are on a password-protected wireless signal before accessing your online account and making purchases.
- Always be sure to shop securely online. Before entering your card number, look for the locked padlock icon in your browser.
- Sign up for alerts to help monitor your debit card. With our CardValet app, you have complete control of your debit card.
- Turn your debit card on and off.
- Set up transaction controls for specific dollar amounts, merchant categories and locations.
- Receive alerts when your debit card is used, approved and exceeds transaction amounts that are controlled by you.
- Monitor your account regularly with our digital banking.
- Keep your debit card in a secure place that is not easily accessible to others.
- If you receive a call from someone needing you to verify your card number or PIN, hang up the phone immediately and reach out to your bank.
- Do not share your PIN with anyone. This is a number that you need to commit to memory. When entering your PIN cover the keypad to prevent anyone from shoulder surfing.
- Use secure ATMs. We recommend using machines that are attached to a bank or credit union. Fraudsters have been known to put a tricky little device called a skimmer on ATMs (especially stand-alone ones) to help them gather card numbers and PINs entered.
- If you suspect your debit card has been lost or stolen, contact the bank as soon as possible.
- Stay informed about potential fraudulent purchased with real-time alerts.
While these steps can help prevent debit card fraud, you must know there are still risks involved. It’s important to be vigilant and if you ever suspect fraud, contact Pennian Bank right away.