Credit/Debit Card Fraud is somewhat similar to identity theft in which the secured information of Credit/Debit Card is stolen and exploited to gain funds from an account without the authorization or consent of the lawful owner. Possible exploitation sources may include card reading devices, hidden cameras, false Personal Identification Number (PIN) pads or access of saved credit/debit  card details from personal resources.

Tips to Prevent ATM Frauds

• Update your contact information with your financial institution. Your bank can't ask you about a suspicious charge unless it has your current phone number.


• Copy the customer service phone number from the back of each of your debit or credit cards and keep this list in a separate location from your purse or wallet in case a thief steals the latter.


• Sign up for banking alerts if offered by your financial institution. These will inform you when particular changes occur, such as irregular card activity.


• Stay away from ATMs that appear dirty or in disrepair. At best, such ATMs may not work when used, and at worst, may be fake machines set up to capture card information.


• Do not use ATMs with unusual signage, such as a command to enter your PIN twice to complete a transaction.


• Watch out for ATMs that appear to have been altered. If anything on the front of the machine looks crooked, loose or damaged, it could be a sign that someone attached a skimming device.


• Avoid using the ATM if suspicious individuals are standing nearby. Criminals may try to distract you as you use the machine to steal your cash or watch as you type your PIN.


• Be aware that if your card gets stuck in the machine and someone approaches to help, it may be a scam. A criminal may be trying to watch as you enter your PIN code.


• If your card gets stuck in the machine, call your financial institution promptly to report the incident.


• As you key in your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand to block anyone, or a camera, from viewing the numbers you type.