How do I know it is safe to use my debit card

How do I know it is safe to use my debit card -

Q: I read some news stories recently about people who had their card of "skim" flow and, therefore, their identity stolen. What is "skimming" and how will it affect my identity

A: Great question! Skimming is a type of fraud in which a thief uses a device to copy information from your credit or debit card to steal your money. This device is installed by thieves on ATMs or payment machines, such as self-pay station at a gas station or a self-service station at a grocery store.

skimming can affect your identity leading to identity theft. In most cases of skimming, criminals get a hold of your account number and PIN number, but there is a chance that criminals could use this information to get your full name and other personal information.

Before giving advice to prevent skimming, we should explain that the usual skimming devices consist of. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, skimming devices usually include a camera and skimmer overlay keyboard hidden. The hidden camera is used to record the PIN number for your debit card. The skimmer is placed on the card reader to copy your card information and store it on an electronic device or the machine itself or the information is sent electronically to another storage device, such as computer thief. Finally, the overlay key is a technique that is used in place of the hidden camera. The purpose of the overlay is to get your PIN number because it will be stored within the overlay.

Now that you know what devices are used for skimming, here are some tips on how to avoid using a skimmed machine.

1. Make sure the machine is not altered BEFORE you slide your card: This is an important step because the majority of time skimmers can be seen by one of machine users, as long as you know what to look for. Usual "red flags" for skimming devices include loose, bent, scratched or damaged ATM or credit card machines. Also, beware if you see a tape or residue on the machine itself, as it could be a sign that thieves have placed a skimmer in the machine.

It is essential to look also for the skimmer itself. Sometimes it is obvious a skimming device on a machine because the card reader exceeds more than usual. Do not put your card inside of an unusually large card reader, instead walk inside the gas station or go to another ATM.

2. Block the keypad when entering your PIN: Often, thieves put hidden cameras pointed at the keyboard that records your PIN number. You can easily protect yourself against this type of theft simply by covering the keypad with your free hand.

3. Avoid ATMs or outdoor tourist Using an ATM inside is safer because these machines are usually followed by employees, meaning they will most likely not a skimming device. Also, beware of using machines that are in tourist areas because these machines are usually targets for thieves because they have a lot of debit and credit card traffic.

4. Check your bank statements and credit card regularly: Every month when you receive your debit and credit card statements you should check that you have done all charges . If you see abnormal or repeated loads, then you should immediately contact your bank to inquire about the charge and report the theft, if necessary.

5. Monitor your credit reports: Sometimes skimming thieves use the information they collect as tools to find more information about you. Once they have gathered enough information about you, they use the information to open credit cards or other credit lines. If you regularly monitor your credit, then you are more likely to catch this activity before it becomes uncontrollable.

Identity protection services against theft or credit report monitoring services are great options if you want to start monitoring your credit. Both services are actively monitoring your credit and alert you there are changes to one of your three credit reports. protection services against identity theft take a step further to protect your identity by also monitoring your personal information such as your Social Security number. This blog post details how these services operate. Most credit report monitoring services are also working actively to protect your identity, the more, the best services like Identity Guard provide free Internet security software with your subscription.

Be sure to check our credit report monitoring table and compare our protection against identity theft compare chart to see which service will best meet your needs.