Debit Card Fraud

ATM fraud has risen because crooks are utilizing high-tech techniques to hack into your bank accounts.

ATM fraud is on the rise according to law enforcement officials because crooks are becoming more and more complex. Crooks have become very smart at discovering new methods to access your funds so consumers need to keep a watchful eye on their bank statements in case there are suspicious transactions because it is more than likely that somebody has access to your bank account information.

Techniques used by crooks to access your money include hacking into bank databases, phishing methods and unsolicited e-mails, and the compromising of card scanning devices placed on ATM machines and gas pumps and retailer computer systems. Maintaining vigilance and reporting suspicious activity regarding your bank account are the best you can do to prevent bank account thieves from gaining illegal access into computer systems and databases containing your financial information. In most cases, consumers unknowingly hand the perpetrators the keys to the bank accounts. Knowing something about the techniques used might save the consumer a lot a money per year.
Magnetic Card Skimmers Record Your Data

Some tech smart thieves are placing ATM card skimming devices over the real card readers. They will also place a small camera somewhere on the ATM machine so that the information of the screen is recorded as well as your finger motions in your PIN. All of this is transmitted to crooks who are often not too far perhaps in a van. Now they have everything they need from you to drain your bank account of its funds. This illegal money making scheme has been duplicated in every major city worldwide, and people lose lots of money every year. Some of the cameras and card skimmers are easy to find, but some of them take a trained eye and are only discovered when an expert services the ATM. If you notice anything unusual when using an ATM to withdraw funds, you might consider trying another ATM and report your suspicions to the bank and local police.
Bandit ATM Machines

Card skimming devices are not the only problem when it comes to ATM machines. Some smart scam artists have gone as far as buying their own ATM machines which they installed and used to capture your account information. To detect a card skimming device may be difficult, but to identify a bandit ATM machine is almost impossible. You best chance of circumventing this kind of machine is to not use independently owned ATM's. However, this is easier said that done. In some places, there might be more independently owned ATM's than bank machines making it difficult to depend on only official bank owned ATM machines. Use your best judgment, and always monitor your bank statements. Only vigilance and quick action are the only tools that you could rely on to safeguard your bank account information when suspicious activity is found.
Unsolicited e-mails and Phishing Scams

Perhaps the best method for accessing your account is phishing. This is very widespread over the internet that people get them every day. Some of them are very clever and count on your poor judgment to be effective. Never click a link in an e-mail to go to your bank, PayPal account, eBay account, or credit union. Always go to these websites by using the bookmarks you have installed on your browser yourself or typing in the URL yourself. If you still feel uneasy doing this, then call your bank and speak to somebody regarding your account over the phone. Following this simple advice will protect you from getting "phished" by a criminal. You destroy the chance for criminals to obtain your personal information every time you delete an e-mail requesting that you click a link. This decision is always yours.

There are lots of consumer fraud schemes out there. It is up to you, the consumer, to educate yourself to recognize what is and is not legitimate. Hopefully our advice will help you minimize becoming a victim to the crime of data theft, identity theft, or debit card fraud.

Fabiola Castillo is an online marketer for the website NinjaCOPS.com. This virtual store specializes in personal defense products where you can buy pepper spray, kubaton keychains, wireless hidden cameras, cheap stun guns, nunchaku tricks videos, telescopic steel batons, and many other home security products.