Debit cards are becoming more popular among consumers who used to use payment methods such as cash or checks. A debit card linked to a checking account is a convenient and secure way to make purchases, from online shopping to dining at your favorite restaurant. The increased popularity of debit card also makes it a target for thieves. Follow these six tips for protecting your bank card as well as the security of your checking accounts.
Why is it necessary to check credit reports? The report must be checked for possible fraud and errors. Lenders and financial institutions check the report before processing requests for funds. Credit scores are used as a measure to determine your worthiness. It is important to maintain a clean credit history to ensure optimum scores.
1. Check your account regularly
Monitoring your account regularly is one of the best ways to safeguard your debit card. It’s not enough to keep track of your balance, because many criminals make small purchases you are likely to overlook. You should instead review every transaction on your statement each month and notify your bank immediately if you see any suspicious charges. Find out if your bank offers online banking. It’s easier to keep track of your money when you can check the balance online.
2. Check ATMs Carefully
Look for signs of tampering or suspicious activity before inserting your card into an ATM. Criminals attach hidden cameras and skimming devices to ATMs to steal PINs and account numbers from unwary users. You should always use the same ATM. Report the incident to your banking institution if you see something different. Find another ATM. ATMs located in remote areas are more susceptible to being tampered, so you should use machines that have good lighting and are in high-traffic areas.
3. Keep your PIN number safe
Protect your PIN. A thief who has your PIN and card number can quickly empty your account without you even having a chance. Cover the keypad of a credit card machine in a shop or ATM with your hand each time you enter your PIN. This simple act prevents thieves or hidden cameras from collecting your personal information without your consent.
4. Be prepared for theft
Accidents can happen even if you have taken all the necessary precautions. Keep your bank’s contact information and account details in a secure place. Note down the numbers on the back of your cards, and keep them somewhere other than in your wallet or purse. You’ll have the information you need if your card is lost or stolen.
5. Avoid Unsolicited Requests For Information
Criminals will often pretend to be bank employees in order to gain your confidence and steal your personal information. Be on the lookout for fraud, especially when someone requests your PIN, card number, or other personal details. Never provide any personal information to a caller who has not requested it or via an unsecure website. You can call your bank to confirm if the person who is asking for information on you really represents your bank.
6. Report problems quickly
You should also report any issues as soon as possible to minimize your liability. You will receive protection based on your card type and bank. It is important that you are aware of the rules before you start. Report lost or stolen cards immediately so that your account can be frozen. If your card is stuck in an ATM, or you see an unusual transaction, notify your bank immediately.
You may find errors in your credit report
You must open a dispute on your credit report if you find a mistake in your credit history or notice that you’ve never applied for a certain line of credit. As soon as you discover the errors, report them to credit reporting agencies. Correct them so they don’t ruin your credit. It is also worth mentioning that a low credit score will lead to you paying more on loans.
Credit report corrections can improve your score
Acknowledging that errors and other negative entries in a credit report are correctable is a great feeling. Credit report disputes are a crucial step to removing errors.
Send your facts to the agency in writing. In the dispute, it is important to address the issue. Send a copy and mark the items you would like to be corrected on your credit report.
You can ask the agency to investigate and pay attention to your complaint. Please provide copies of documents or letters to support your dispute. Send them photocopies of the original documents and keep the originals safe.
It’s a good idea to send a copy to the company who is responsible for the mistake. If, for example, your credit history shows that you haven’t paid a certain amount to ABC Store, you can send them a copy and ask them remove the information from your report.
You can still file a second dispute, even if you lose the first one. If the dispute does not go away after the second attempt you can ask for an additional note to be added to your credit report. This will not affect your score.
Individuals can get their free credit report from each agency in any given year. You will be able to see any mistakes in your credit history by checking the report. You should monitor your report more often so that you can quickly and easily begin the dispute process in case of an error.
