Because of how fast debit card fraud can happen, it is imperative that cardholders stay proactive, monitoring card numbers and information closely. Here are a few things you can do to prevent debit card fraud:

• Limit debit card usage online or avoid it entirely, as a debit card is linked directly to your bank account. Debit card fraud can be harder to dispute and may make getting your money back more difficult.
• Consider using a credit card or prepaid gift card for online purchasing.
• When online shopping, be sure not to click on pop-up ads on social media websites. These pop-ups can re-rout you to scamming websites that could possibly give your device a virus.
• Always go directly to the merchant's website. Do not click on links to get you there. Pop-up ads can also look like ads from reputable merchants, when in reality, it is a scam.
• Download our MyCards app where you can set up mobile notifications when your card is used, turn your card on and off at your discretion, and access spending limits and merchant controls! For more info, click here.

Before you wire money, make sure the source you are wiring to is a trustworthy person or business that you have established trust with. Scammers can be very convincing, so always be cautious and never allow anyone to rush you into wiring money. 

• Don’t wire money to anyone who says they work at a government agency like the FTC, IRS, SSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or a well-known company. (That’s a scam: the government will never ask you to send money this way.)
• Never wire money to anyone who pressures you into paying immediately.
• Don’t wire money to anyone who says a wire transfer is the only way to pay.
• Never wire money to someone who tries to sell you something over the phone. (It’s illegal for a telemarketer to ask you to pay with a wire transfer.)

Never rush into anything. Do your own research before making a decision. Keep in mind that scammers usually try to force you to make a quick decision. For more information on this topic, click here.