How to Prevent Card Fraud: ATM, Credit Card, and Debit Card Security

Fraudsters are always adapting. But with consistent vigilance, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim. In this guide, we’ll cover how to prevent card fraud for your credit and debit cards. You will learn the tips and tricks of physical card safety at the ATM or store, and digital safety for online shopping.

Whether it’s a skimmer at an ATM, a compromised terminal at checkout, or a phishing email getting your card number, the consequences of card fraud include time, worry, and financial disruption. Monitoring your statements, keeping your cards secure, and acting quickly are some of the most effective things you can do.

ATM Safety

When using an ATM, your card deserves the same care as the cash disbursed. The machine, your card, and your PIN all form one transaction chain, and any weak link can expose you to fraud. Whether you’re choosing where to withdraw or setting up alerts afterward, these precautions give you control and help prevent card misuse.

Physical Card and Machine Safety

• Choose well-lit and bank-monitored ATMs. Machines inside or near your bank branch tend to be safer than those in secluded spots.
• Inspect the card slot and keypad before using. Look for loose parts, odd attachments, or anything that seems tampered with. These may be “skimming” devices.
• Shield your PIN entry with your hand or body so no one or a hidden camera can see the digits.
• Secure your cash, receipt, and card immediately. Don’t count money out in the open where someone could see or record it.
• If you notice anything odd, like a card that doesn’t eject, the screen looks strange, a keypad overlay, or someone hovering nearby. If you notice something suspicious, stop the transaction, leave, and notify your bank.

Digital Account Safety Connected to ATM Use

• Set alerts for withdrawals or ATM transactions above a certain threshold so you're alerted immediately if something abnormal happens.
• If your ATM card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to ensure it is blocked before any fraudulent use.
• Check your statements regularly, as often as daily or weekly if you’re a frequent user. Look for any unauthorized withdrawals. The sooner you spot something, the faster you can act.

Credit Card Safety

Your credit card offers convenience, rewards, and a buffer between you and the merchant, but it doesn’t insulate you from risk. Whether you’re swiping, tapping, shopping in-person, or checking out online, each interaction is an opportunity to protect yourself. Keep your card secure both physically and digitally by taking these steps.

Physical Card and Point-Of-Sale Safety

• When paying in person, keep your card in view or use contactless tap-to-pay where available so that your card doesn’t leave your sight.
• Use the chip-insertion method, when available, rather than swiping the magnetic stripe. Chips are harder to clone, and the safer option.
• In restaurants or bars, avoid leaving your card behind the counter or letting someone else take it out of your sight. If you sign a receipt, write the full amount or add a “$0” tip line to prevent alterations.
• At fuel pumps and other self-service points, either use tap-to-pay or pay inside if you suspect the machine may be tampered with.

Online Safety for Credit Cards

• Enable transaction alerts. Get notifications to your phone or email every time a transaction is made. This creates an “early warning system”.
• Use strong, unique passwords for your online banking and shopping accounts; enable two-factor authentication (2FA) when offered.
• Avoid storing your card information on websites you rarely use or that aren’t trusted. If you do store them, monitor those accounts especially closely.
• Use secure websites. Ensure the URL begins with “https://”, look for the padlock icon, and avoid purchases on public or unsecured WiFi.
• Review your statement each month and dispute any charges you don’t recognize. Many issuers offer zero-liability protection on unauthorized credit card charges if you report them promptly.

Debit Card Safety

Because a debit card draws directly from your checking account, fraud with a debit card can have a more immediate impact on your cash flow. But you can still take strong steps to protect yourself. You can also learn how First Seacoast Bank monitors your accounts to keep you safe from debit card fraud. From how you use the card at the machine or checkout to how you monitor the associated account online, thoughtful habits make a big difference.

Physical Card and Transaction Safety

• Sign your card. Though signature reviews are growing increasingly uncommon, debit cards are technically invalid without a signature.
• Treat your debit card like cash. Keep it in a safe place, don’t hand it off, and have it out of your sight.
• At the point of sale, avoid letting the machine leave your sight. If possible, choose the “credit” (without PIN) option instead of “debit/PIN” mode, as this can reduce risk.
• Protect your PIN. Don’t write it on the card, don’t share it, and don’t keep a copy of it in your wallet or purse, where it can be stolen or viewed.

Digital Account Safety for Debit Cards

• Set up account alerts for any transaction, especially large ones or foreign ones, and check your account online frequently.
• Consider keeping a smaller balance in the account tied to your debit card so that if something happens, you’re not fully exposed, and reserve other funds in separate accounts or savings.
• If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them immediately. With debit cards, you may be more exposed if you wait too long.
• Review your statements and bank activity regularly. Don’t ignore small test transactions. Fraudsters often charge a small amount first to check if the card is live.

Tap-to-Pay and Mobile Wallets: A Modern Safer Option

Using contactless payments, whether tap-to-pay cards or a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, can enhance your security in both physical and digital realms. Learn more about how First Seacoast Bank keeps your money safe with these contactless options. However, convenience isn’t a complete safeguard; you’ll maximize protection if you pair these methods with smart, habitual security actions.

• Contactless payments use tokenization. Your real card number isn’t shared with the merchant’s system thanks to tokenization, reducing exposure of your card data.
• When you tap-to-pay, your card doesn’t leave your hand, and you avoid swiping or inserting where skimmers might be present.
• Mobile wallets often require biometric verifications, such as a face or fingerprint, or PIN unlock on your device. These additional security features add an extra layer of security before payment.
• Remain vigilant, even with a contactless card. Ensure that your phone has a passcode or fingerprint ID, keep its software up to date, and avoid using mobile payments on untrusted public WiFi when you shop online.

Monitoring, Disputes & Account Review: Your Ongoing Defense

Even with great habits, the best protection comes from staying alert. Checking your statements, acting fast on unfamiliar transactions, and proactively communicating with your bank are all crucial. This ongoing layer of vigilance ensures your security doesn’t stop after the swipe or tap.

• Check your transaction history and statements at least monthly, or more often if you use your card frequently. Look for any charges that you don’t recognize or any patterns you wouldn’t expect.
• Many fraud incidents begin with “small-test” charges. Don’t ignore even a dollar or two if you don’t recognize it.
• If you spot suspicious activity on your account, call your card issuer or financial institution immediately. They can block and reissue a card, investigate the transaction, and in many cases, you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges. But you must act promptly.
• Keep your contact information with your bank up to date. Missed alerts or notifications can delay the detection of fraud.
• Consider going paperless with electronic statements and shredding old statements and receipts so that your card or account numbers don’t become exposed through the mail or the trash.

Your Quick Checklist For Card Safety

• At the ATM: Use inside or bank-monitored ATMs. Inspect the slot and keypad before use; shield your PIN.
• At the point-of-sale: prefer chip or tap-to-pay; don’t let the card leave your sight; inspect devices for tampering.
• Online: Create strong, unique passwords with two-factor authentication (2FA); shop on secure sites; avoid storing card info on less-trustworthy sites.
• Enable alerts for all card and account activity.
• Review statements regularly and don’t ignore small, unfamiliar charges.
• If something feels “off,” like a card reader looks odd, an ATM appears tampered with, or you don’t recognise a transaction, act fast and call your bank.
• Using mobile wallets or tap-to-pay is a strong extra layer of protection, but it doesn’t replace vigilance.

A Final Word from the FSB Fraud Fighters

When it comes to how to prevent card fraud, there’s no single “silver bullet.” The key to safety is layering several good habits. Both physical and digital card safety depend on constant vigilance, by both you and your financial institution. At First Seacoast Bank, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to go deeper? Learn the latest in financial security and fraud protection from our Fraud Fighters.

For more comprehensive information on how to protect yourself from various types of financial fraud, visit the Financial Fraud section of our blog. You'll find articles on identifying and avoiding common scams, safeguarding your holiday cash, and more.

Stay safe, stay aware. At First Seacoast Bank, your security is our top priority.

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