Never Swipe Your Debit Cards In These 4 Places

Bangalore: No doubt the introduction of Debit cards has made our life much easier. But, we have to admit that most of us have taken this convenience for granted by making quick swipe of the debit card to make the purchases.

 

We are aware of many cases where loss of Debit Card is usually worked out by just replacing it with the new one within a couple of days. We do not pay much attention to the card that is lost, minute after blocking them. If you think that your account is safe after blocking it, then it’s time for you to change your thinking. So, it’s always better not to be negligent while swiping the debit card.

 

Here are 5 places where your debit card is at high risk, as listed by Bankrate.

 

1. Stealing PINs at Petrol Bunks

 

Petrol bunks are another place that has high risk for debit card users. While you swipe your debit card in petrol bunks it is better to be cautious as gas station terminals have many characteristics that fraudsters love. Due to the lack of supervision in the pump station, fraudsters can easily place the skimming machine, a small camera to track your card information including your PIN in a very short time. Since, petrol pumps offer fraudsters with easy access to your debit card details, it is always better to use credit cards or cash the next time you visit a pump to refill.

 

 

2. Skimming ATMs

 

It might be strange to know that outdoor ATMs are among the most dangerous places to use your debit cards. This means, few ATMs give a wonderful opportunity to the thieves to skim your debit card details.

 

Skimming is a process where the person’s bank account details are traced through a machine that reads the card’s magnetic strip. These kinds of machines are often placed in the ATMs and other card terminals.

 

McGoey, a security consultant says, "Any transaction you do outdoors at an open ATM is going to be higher risk exposure. If the public has access to it, then someone has the ability to add skimming devices to it, position cameras on it and position themselves in a way where they could surveil it.”

 

3. Debit Cards Differ From Credit Cards

 

Nobody would like to give a direct access to their bank account to anyone. But, unfortunately, many of you are doing it regularly by using your debit card.

 

Debit cards look similar to credit cards, but there is one difference between the two. For those who can easily spot the fraudulent charges on their credit cards they have a simple option of declining the charges and not pay the bill. When it comes to debit card, there is a direct access to your checking account.

 

Most often debit cards are at high risk when compared to credit cards. So before you swipe your card make sure that your checking account balance is secured from the frauds

 

 

4. Online Transaction is Risky!

 

The use of debit cards has become the easiest way to buy products online. But beware! Online transaction is one of the most dangerous ways to make your purchase.

 

Many people do not take it seriously after banks constantly warn about the risks that is attached with online transactions. When you make a transaction through online make sure that you log out from your account properly.  

 

Especially, if you are using internet in a cyber café, you need to be extra careful because the name of your account details will be archived in the computer and the other person who uses the same system will get to know your details. Fraudsters are usually tech savvy, so they can trace your account details and PIN in no time.

 

The usage of debit card for online purchases could be very risky because it’s impossible to trace the actual person handling your information.