Tips: ATM, Debit Card Safety

  • Jun 11, 2010

To launch ATM and Debit Card Safety Awareness Month, PULSE offers tips to encourage consumers to remain vigilant about safety while using debit cards at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals.

“The recession has prompted consumers to use their debit cards more often than other payment methods, but with frequent use comes the increased potential for fraud,” said Jim Cichy, PULSE vice president of fraud management. “To keep money safe and secure, consumers need to better understand how to work with their financial institution to combat security compromises and fraudulent use of financial information.”

  • To enjoy the many conveniences of debit and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud, consumers should keep these recommendations top of mind:
  • Keep your PIN a secret: Memorize your personal identification number (PIN), never write it on your card or store it with your card. Never let someone else enter your PIN for you. Many security experts recommend changing your PIN often and using different PINs for different accounts. These are steps that make it more difficult for criminals to use your card if it’s lost or stolen.
  • Do not disclose information about your card over the telephone: No company or individual should ever ask for your PIN, not even your financial institution. If you perform transactions over the telephone using your debit card, never disclose your PIN.
  • Never disclose information about your card in response to an unsolicited e-mail or request: E-mail is a common channel for perpetrating fraud. Never provide your debit or credit card number, PIN or any other non-public personal information to any entity in response to an unsolicited e-mail or request. Your financial institution will never send you an e-mail asking for your PIN.
  • Make certain your Internet shopping sites are secure: Look for secure transaction symbols when shopping online to ensure your account information is protected. These include a lock in the lower right corner of your browser window and a web address that begins with “https.” Always log off from any site after you make a purchase. If you can’t log off, close the browser to prevent unauthorized access to your account information.
  • Report a lost or stolen card at once: Immediately call your financial institution if your card is lost or stolen to reduce the chance that it will be used improperly. Immediate notice of lost or stolen cards will also limit your potential liability for unauthorized transactions.
  • Review your account statements for unauthorized transactions: Review all account statements from your financial institution promptly, and report any errors (including transactions you believe may be unauthorized) as soon as possible. Most financial institutions offer secure online access to accounts. Online access to checking accounts can help you spot suspicious activity quickly. Prompt notification will limit your potential liability for unauthorized transactions.
  • Protect your card’s magnetic stripe: Do not expose your card’s magnetic stripe to magnetic objects. Magnetic objects can damage your card.

Additional measures you can take include:

  • Never allow a cashier or any other person to enter your PIN for you, even if they are assisting you with the transaction.
  • Block the view of others when using an ATM or PIN debit terminal.
  • Be certain your ATM or debit transaction is complete and review your receipt before leaving.
  • If you receive cash back from a transaction, put it away before leaving.
  • When using an outdoor ATM or debit terminal, such as a gas station, always observe your surroundings before making a transaction.
  • When using an outdoor terminal, if anyone or anything appears to be suspicious, leave the area at once.
  • If an ATM appears to have any attachments or alterations to the card slot or keypad, do not use it; report the tampering to the ATM owner immediately.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.