Debit Card Security: Things You Should Know To Protect Your Account

Debit cards are becoming more and more popular these days. However, many people worry about debit card security.

Debit cards can be linked to a large amount of money in an account, unlike credit cards which have a capped credit limit. The thought of debit card fraud can be worrisome, which is why most debit cards contain security features to prevent debit card fraud.

Types of debit card fraud

There are a number of forms of debit card fraud, ranging from impersonation to creation of false details. However, the two type of debit card fraud that affects users the most are impersonation and theft.

Theft is a straight forward form of debit card fraud – the user’s card is stolen and used by the fraudster. Impersonation is similar to theft but instead of really using the customer’s debit card, the fraudster “impersonates” the card – often an identical card is issued, or the card number and details are used for purchases and cash withdrawals.

Preventing debit card fraud

To prevent debit card fraud, most card issuers use the “chip and pin” system. This system was first introduced in the UK market and experts estimate that it reduces debit card fraud by up to 80%. This system is gradually being introduced in Australia and by 2015, all cards whether debit cards or credit cards, will be using this system.

The chip and pin system requires the user to enter a PIN number during transactions, instead of signing. The PIN is mailed to the user separately, a few days after he or she receives the card – there is a few days difference in mailing the PIN, so that the mail cannot be easily intercepted. Users can further increase their debit card security by altering the PIN number to some other number that they prefer. Due to the use of a PIN number, fraudsters need to know both the card details and the pin, which makes impersonation or theft more difficult, thereby reducing debit card fraud.

Most banks also use algorithms to spot any possible card fraud. These algorithms note any sudden, unusual expenses or steep increase in expenses. They also note whether the card is used in two locations quite far from each other, within a very short period of time. These algorithms automatically spot anomalies, which causes the bank to contact the cardholder to verify the transactions.

Most card issuers, including Visa and MasterCard offer a zero liability guarantee, which means that cardholders are not liable for any unauthorised transactions, if those transactions are noted in time – so one of the final steps to enhanced debit card security is to always read your card statement carefully and notify your bank of any suspicious activity.

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