If you’re a credit and/or debit card holder…take heed! No matter how safe you play it, at some point you can be at risk for becoming a victim of credit/debit card fraud. With the continuous advancement of technology, banks and credit card companies are focused on tightening their security reigns and keeping their customers safe. Even so, the identity thieves continue to run rampant and somehow keep managing to find loopholes that allow them access to your money and credit.

 

Of course we all know the rule of thumb of keeping your card(s) in a safe place, but once you pull them out you need to be sure you’re swiping them in a safe place. So here are a few places and things that you may want to be more mindful of about or steer clear of and why their way puts you at risk.

 

Privately Owned ATMs

While all ATM owners are held to the same industry standards when it comes to encrypting their data, it’s been found that some of the non-bank corporations are not holding up their end of the deal. So while yes it may be more convenient to swipe some cash from the ATM at your local corner store, the gas station, or if you happen to out at the mall or a bar, getting funds from an ATM that is owned and operated by a reputable financial institution is the safer way to go. Time is money, so spend both wisely.

 

Non-Secure Online Purchases

Along with today’s convenience of online shopping should come the convenience of knowing that your transaction is safe and secure.  So be sure that when you’re making online purchases that you’re doing so from a site with a secure checkout page. Before clicking your money away and possibly your card info with it, check to see if the site’s URL begins with https (the ‘s’ stands for secure) instead of the standard http. If the ‘s’ is not there, beware!

 

Also avoid making purchases over unsecured wireless networks and from public computers. Doing so puts you at risk for having your data compromised or transmitted into the wrong hands.

 

Suspicious Card Reader Terminals

When using an ATM, place close attention it. One of thieves’ favorite ways to get you at the ATM is by placing a skimming device over the machine’s original card reader which gives them access to your card’s information. If you notice something strange about it especially when it comes to the card reader terminal, DON’T use that machine and report your suspicions immediately!

 

Smartphone Purchases

While you may have downloaded your choice of mobile security when it comes to protecting your smartphone, don’t be so quick to think you’re in the clear. Just like on your computer, make sure you use reputable sites with a secure checkout page. Also ensure that your phone is using a secure network as opposed to an unsecure wi-fi signal or a public network. If you’re making a purchase from a mobile app, be sure of its validity. Avoid making purchases from apps that store your card information.

 

Flea Markets & Trade Shows

Since the merchants at flea market and trade show venues use online card terminals or even the old school carbon copy device, there’s no surefire way to ensure that your credit/debit card transaction is secure. Also considering that these merchants come and go, they can be difficult to locate if ever there is a problem with your transaction. So play it safe and use cash! 

 

In addition to steering clear of using your credit/debit card in the manner or places mentioned above, be sure to check your statement regularly for any unfamiliar charges and to cancel your card if it’s ever lost or stolen. In the case that you do fall victim, contact your credit card company immediately and while the process may be a bit tedious, see it through.