Protect yourself from debit card fraud

Believe you're immune to debit card fraud? Think again.

Unfortunately, when a criminal gains access to your debit card number and, in some cases, PIN, to make unauthorized purchases, there's a chance that your savings may be completely wiped out.

From PIN thefts to thieves stealing debit card numbers, to shady employees to hackers, debit card fraud can happen to you, so it's important to lower the threat. It's time to protect yourself.

How is debit card fraud detected? It's easy to finger, as long as you're signed up for online banking. Checking your balances and transactions daily can save consumers from the impacts of fraud. The sooner one detects the unauthorized activity, the easier it will be to get your money back from your bank.

Fearful of banking online? Hold on to the receipts of all of your debit card transactions, or better yet, use phone banking at least weekly to keep everything in check. Thanks to an article by Yahoo Finance, we've compiled some easy ways to keep your money protected:

Go paperless

Yep, time to move from the brick-and-mortar establishment and handle transactions online. It's easy to do. Log on to online banking, and simply check the box that says "go paperless." This will end all risk of bank information being stolen from your mailbox.

Use your credit card instead

When you are ready to make a purchase, take out your credit card instead. If you insist on using your debit card, select credit instead of debit. Why? This way you won't be exposed to PIN theft.

Sign up for banking alerts

Sign up for banking alerts to know when your account has changed. When a transactions occurs that wasn't made by you, you will know instantly.

Spread out your money

Remember your grandfather telling you to put some money in your shoe just in case? It's the truth. Spread out your money so if debit-card fraud hits, you aren't stuck with nothing.

Destroy old cards

For obvious reasons. Use a shredder!

Keep your computer protected

Use firewalls and anti-virus on your computer in order to stay protected. Make sure to update your protection regularly.

If debit card theft has happened to you, call your bank immediately. In the case that your bank isn't cooperative, call a consumer advocacy group such as Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Click here to see a list of agencies that may be able to help.