PROTECT YOUR MONEY WHILE USING ATMs

How debit card consumers chosse and use their personal passwords and PIN numbers may well hike their risk of being victimized by financial fraud. June is ATM & DEBIT CARD SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH!!! Consumers who give debit card fraud short shrift do so at their own risk. According to Javelin Research, debit card fraud accounted for 36 percent of all payment crad fraud in 2010, up from 27 percent in 2009. Debit card fraud is more vexing for consumers than credit card fraud, as debit card fraud is rarely insured and the losses come straight out of the consumer's bank account. Debit cards are not monitored as thoroughly as credit card. Visa and MasterCard networks have more thorough histories on individuals and can spot suspicious transactions. The debit card network relies on the consumer's transaction history with a specific financial institution, not the entire Visa and MasterCard system. TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR DEBIT CARD SAFE 1) Protect you wallet, purse and PIN - Do not carry items with private information such as your Social Security number in your pocketbook or wallet. 2) Be extra alert at ATMS - Do not use an ATM if it is an ATM unlit or hidden area. Block the keypad while entering your PIN so you can not be observed. If an ATM looks phony or has a suspicious card reader or attachment that is loose or not part of the main body of the machine, do not use it. 3) Be very creative when choosing your PIN. Try to avoid using birthdays - they are too easy for crooks to crack.