Tips on Debit Card Use, Fraud and Privacy Protection

According to the PULSE-commissioned 2008 Debit Issuer Study, released in April, debit transactions grew by more than 14 percent in 2007. Although debit is a secure and convenient form of payment, it is a good idea for consumers to take some basic precautions when using their debit cards. As debit usage continues to increase, PULSE calls on consumers to be aware of security risks and exercise these important safety measures:

• Do not reply to unsolicited e-mails, pop-up messages or phone calls asking for personal or financial information. If you think you may have provided such information in response to a fraudulent request, notify your account provider immediately.
• Review checking, savings and other financial account statements regularly to verify all transactions, or better yet, frequently log into your accounts online to review all activity. Immediately report any unauthorized activity to the account provider.
• Review disclosures from your financial institution to understand what liabilities and responsibilities you have as a debit cardholder.

“Research shows that consumers are using their debit cards more than ever,” said Cindy Ballard, executive vice president of PULSE. “With fraud tactics becoming more sophisticated, it’s important for cardholders to understand the important steps they can take to protect themselves from fraud.”

During the next three weeks, PULSE will release additional debit card security tips on protecting PIN and debit card information during in-store, online or phone transactions, as well as guarding against identity theft and fraud.

“As consumers make travel plans this summer, PULSE provides safety tips that can be used every day to help safeguard their money, whether they are across the country or just down the street,” Ballard said. “These are important measures that can dramatically increase the safety and security of debit card use throughout the year.”

A comprehensive list of ATM/debit card safety tips is available at http://www.pulse-eft.com/public/group/consumer/atmdebitsafety.html. PULSE also offers a brochure containing fraud/identity theft prevention tips, which can be downloaded at http://www.pulse-eft.com/public/group/consumer/atmdebitsafety/idtheft.html.

As part of the campaign, PULSE is offering tips ranging from ATM safety to identity theft prevention measures to its more than 4,500 participating financial institutions. These recommendations can be delivered to cardholders through a variety of materials, including lobby brochures, card protectors, deposit envelopes, statement inserts, electronic brochures and Web site links.