Protect Yourself From Debit Card Or ATM Card Identity Theft

                                                                                         

With identity theft on the rise, it is necessary to be aware of how
thieves operate and what you can do to protect yourself. This article
will deal specifically with these issues regarding debit cards and ATM
cards.

With ATM and debit cards, it is the PIN that poses the risk for
identity theft. An identity thief can illegally obtain your PIN and
gain access to your bank account using three primary methods.

The first of these methods is keeping your PIN with your ATM or debit
card, especially if it is designated as such. If a thief grabs your
wallet or purse and gets his hands on your debit card, it will be
useless to him without your PIN. If he has your PIN, he can fully
access your bank account without anyone even knowing it isn't you.

The greatest risk to your debit card security is using it in a crowded
public place, particularly a restaurant or bar. There is always a risk
of being watched or overheard while giving identity information and it
is especially so when there is a crowd around an ATM machine. One
well-known method used by identity thieves is called 'shoulder surfing'
where the thief tries to see what PIN is entered when you make a
transaction. There are other risks that are not as obvious, too. Though
you may trust that the person you are dealing directly with is honest
enough, you can't be sure the same is true of those nearby who may be
able to see and hear what is going on.

Your best defense is to be habitually aware and vigilant. Always keep
in mind that obtaining your PIN is going to be followed by the theft of
your card or your card number. You are at risk of being mugged for your
card a short time later if you let a thief see or hear your PIN.

The third method of obtaining your PIN by an identity thief is through
a magnetic strip reader or keyboard entry logging applications. Some of
these have a very sophisticated design. Some will use a pinhole camera
to get a recording of your PIN. The thief affixes these devices to the
ATM or similar machine for the purpose of capturing the details of your
card. This is called 'skimming'. In recent years, skimming applications
have increasingly become a risk because of the advancements in
technology but they are not as yet commonplace. The thief no longer
needs your physical card to gain access to your bank account once he
captures your card information in this manner. Though they do look very
much like a real card swiping machine, a frequent user will most likely
discern the difference.

Another method of theft that is rare can occur at the point of sale but
card swiping that is beyond what is necessary for the sale is harder to
hide. The best way here to protect yourself against identity theft is
to be aware of what is happening to your card if it is out of your
personal possession.

PIN number security is the best way to protect yourself from being a
victim of debit card identity thieves.

Contact your bank and have your PIN number changed if you believe your
PIN number has been stolen but you still have possession of your card.
For a lost or stolen card, Cancel the card as soon as possible and get
a new one issued. Be sure to get a new PIN number, too. Never use your
old PIN number after you have replaced a lost or stolen card.

Using the information above will help you to avoid becoming the victim
of identity theft. Being vigilant in protecting your information can
save you money, time and stress.

About the author:
Leon Edward provides free information online on identity theft prevention, internet privacy and FREE Identity Theft Prevention Checklist at his website http://www.PreventIdentityTheftFraud.com

Leon Edward is an Independant Associate of Identity Theft Shield (tm.) where you can find protection for your family from Fraud Thieves. Learn more at http://www.preventidentitytheftfraud.com/about.html

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