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Precautions & Tips

Precautions & Tips
Some Cautions and Tips on Using Your ATM/Debit Card Safely

Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN): If your financial institution allows you to select your own PIN, pick a number that's easy to remember. Unfamiliar numbers can be difficult to recall when you're tired or under stress. But don't choose a number that's easily associated with you, like your birth date, social security or telephone number, or part of your address. Also avoid using consecutive numbers or repeating the same number. Your PIN is an important secret code and should be chosen carefully. Never write that number on your card or on anything you carry with your card. Only you should know your PIN, so no one else can use your card.

Protect your card from damage so that it will always work when you need it: Keep it in a place where it won't be bent, scratched, or overheated. It's important to protect the magnetic stripe on the back of the card. Should it become damaged, the card may fail to work in an ATM or at a store. If your place of employment provides magnetic cardkeys for access to your workplace, never put your cardkey near your card. Magnetic cardkeys can erase the information in your card's magnetic stripe, making it unusable.

Make sure the transaction or purchase amount is recorded correctly: Before you authorize any transaction, double check that the purchase amount is correctly entered by the store clerk.

Deduct the purchase amount from your checking account balance immediately: This will ensure that you always know how much money you have available in your account.

Save all of your receipts: Keep the receipts from every card purchase, deposit, withdrawal, and transfer you make, and compare them against the information on your monthly statement. This will help you to verify the accuracy of your statement, as well as to identify any unauthorized transactions.

When using an ATM, be aware of what's going on around you: Have your card ready and be prepared to use it immediately. At unattended terminals or outdoor ATMs, observe your surroundings before beginning your transaction. Try to select terminals and ATMs in well-lighted, busy areas. If you must use an ATM or terminal in an isolated place, ask a friend to go with you, especially at night.

Prevent others from getting information about your ATM card: Always take your receipts with you to prevent anyone from obtaining information that could help them access your account. When at an ATM, always shield the screen and keyboard to keep onlookers from learning your PIN or the transaction amount as you enter them. If you become suspicious during a transaction, cancel it, take your card, and leave.

Check periodically to be sure that you have your card: Report a lost or stolen card and any unauthorized transactions to your financial institution immediately.

Source: Federal Citizen Information Center


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