- 1). Keep your debit card in a secure location. Do not loan cards to friends or family members to have them pay for something you need. Never provide anyone with your personal identification number, or PIN. The PIN is used when making debit purchases, at automatic teller machines or when conducting a transaction at a teller terminal. Bank personnel should never ask you for your PIN.
- 2). Log in to bank accounts via secure computer terminals. Internet cafes or public Wi-Fi spots are prime targets for criminals to capture your password and account information. Never share passwords with anyone. Create complex passwords using letters and numbers.
- 3). Cancel debit cards and order new ones if you suspect the card has been compromised and is being used fraudulently. This is easy to do by calling the customer service number on the back of the card or walking into a local branch. Fraudulent activity may show up as debit purchases or online purchases on your account. The only way to block future access is to cancel the card.
- 4). Ask your bank representative to remove other names from the account. A person listed on the account will retain unrestricted access until you remove that person's name from the account. Joint accounts may require both signers to acknowledge withdrawals and sign checks. Both parties may also need to sign to remove names from the account.
- 5). Immediately report all activity in the account that is not yours. Call your bank and have a freeze placed on the account. Your banker will be able to help you close the old account and open a new account to which only you have access. Work with the bank regarding valid outstanding checks and debits to make sure all appropriate expenses are paid without fees or penalties.
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