Card Safety Essentials: Protecting Your Credit & Debit Cards

Skimming

Criminals copy card data from legitimate transactions using hidden devices

Phishing

Fraudulent emails or texts pretend to be from your bank to steal login details

Identity Theft

Criminals use your personal info to open fraudulent accounts in your name

Card Not Present Fraud

Stolen card numbers and CVV codes used for unauthorized online purchases

• Be very careful about disclosing your account number over the phone unless you know you're dealing with a reputable financial company
• Never disclose your account number on the front of a postcard or an envelope
• Never write sensitive information in places that can be easily seen or lost

• Always draw a line through blank spaces on a check or debit slips above the total so the amount cannot be tampered
• Never sign any blank check or debit slip
• Keep checks and debit slips in a secure location
• Destroy old checks safely once they're no longer needed

• Destroy old cards by cutting through the account number before putting them away
• Destroy unnecessary carbons and carbon copies
• Don't throw cards away intact in the trash
• Dispose of card materials securely

• Save all receipts to check against your monthly statements
• Open monthly statements promptly and compare them with all your receipts
• Report errors or discrepancies as soon as you see them
• Send dispute reports to the special address listed on your statement for inquiries

• Don't carry your PIN number in your wallet or purse
• Never write it on your ATM or debit card
• Never write your PIN anywhere - not on deposit slips, envelopes, or other papers that could be lost or seen
• Memorize your PIN instead of writing it down

• Keep an eye on ATM or debit card transactions before you enter the PIN
• Check before you sign the receipt
• Be aware that accounts can be quickly transferred out of your checking or other deposit accounts
• Use ATMs in secure, well-lit locations

• Remember to check your account activity periodically
• This becomes more important if you bank online
• Set up account alerts for large transactions
• Review bank statements as soon as they arrive

• Avoid ATMs in isolated or poorly lit areas
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
• Don't accept help from strangers at the ATM
• Take your card and receipt immediately after the transaction

Pro Tip for Cardholders

Review all account statements as soon as they arrive. Set up real-time SMS or email transaction alerts with your bank for purchases over $50. Early detection allows you to freeze compromised cards before major losses occur.

Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) - Credit Cards

• You have 60 days from statement date to report billing errors in writing
• Card issuer must acknowledge receipt within 30 days and resolve within 90 days
• Maximum legal liability for unauthorized credit card charges is capped at $50
• Zero liability protection offered by major card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
• You do not have to pay the disputed amount while the investigation is ongoing

Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) - Debit & ATM Cards

• Protects debit card and electronic bank transfer transactions
• Reporting within 2 business days caps your liability at $50
• Reporting between 2 and 60 days increases maximum liability up to $500
• Failure to report within 60 days after statement date can result in unlimited loss
• Financial institutions must investigate and provide provisional credit within 10 business days

Important Notice for Disputes

Always send dispute notices in writing via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested to the specific billing inquiries address printed on your statement. Calling customer care is helpful, but written notice establishes legal proof under federal law.