Be Very Careful...

I just wanted to take the time to advise you all on being very careful where and when you use your debit card. With weddings being planned, so many of you (including myself) buy many many things online and at stores. The increase in spending increases the risk of falling victim to an attack.



I, like many people out there, have unfortunately fallen victim to debit card fraud. I just happened to look at my online statement before I went shopping the other day, and BAM! My checking AND savings account was COMPLETELY wiped out. I could not believe it. I was shocked and horrified and felt incredibly violated all at the same time.

I just wanted to share some tips with you all for keeping yourself safe. These are not professional tips, they are just things that I have learned from this mess.

1. Be VERY careful when purchasing online. I have no idea if this is how my information was stolen, but it is so easy for this to happen. It is sickening.

2. DO NOT under ANY circumstances link your checking and your savings accounts. I had mine linked in case I ever overdrew. Then it would just take some money out of my savings and save me from having to pay overdraft fees. Seems pretty smart, right? WRONG. Since my accounts were linked, they got EVERYTHING. It is ALL gone. NEVER EVER link your accounts.

3. Never ever write your pin number down and put it in a "safe" place. I did not do this, but I know many people who do. It is just asking for someone to steal your information.

4. USE YOUR CREDIT CARD, NOT YOUR DEBIT CARD FOR EVERYTHING!!!! If I would have done this, then it would have been my credit card information stolen instead of my debit card info. Yes, that still would have sucked, but I would still have money right now. Credit cards are much easier to remove fraudulent charges. With credit cards, there is no money lost yet. Just charges that can be removed. Since it is my debit card info that is stolen, my money is gone and I have to work at getting it back.

5. When all else fails, stick to cash. I think I am going to start carrying cash with me for everyday purchases. You can't steal info from a dollar bill. :)

6. Check your online account, and check it often. The bastard was stealing my money for THREE days before I even knew about it because I didn't check my account for a few days.

7. Cover up the pin pad when entering your pin number anywhere. You may feel paranoid doing this, but it is much better than someone stealing your info!!!

Just please, please be safe. Check your online account often and if you see ANY suspicious activity immediately call your bank.

Take care until next time,
hisMrs