8/8/2019 Debit Card Fraud is on the rise

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BILLMOAK

Debitcard fraildis on the rise w: THE INCREASING use of debitcards (rather thancredit cards) and the dramatic increase in debit cardspending, there is also an increase in credit card fraud.Banks across the country are

raiSing concerns about therise in fraud attempts relatingto debit cards.Thieves are creating counterfeit ATM or debit cards bystealing PINs and other account data using a techniqueknown as skimming. This isaccomplished by setting upequipment that capturesmagnetic stripe and keypadinformation when PINs areused at ATM machines, gaspumps, restaurants and retailestablishments.The Bett!:t..Susiness Bureauserving Mississippi offerssome tips to help protect account data: Don't type your PIN atthe pump. If you use a debitcard at the gas pump, selectthe option for it to beprocessed as a credit card.This can provide better protection from fraud liabilitysince card issuers typicallyhave "zero liability" policies.However, these policies sometimes exclude PIN-basedtransactions. Stick with ATMs locatedat banks. Machines at CODvenience stores, airports andisolated locations are easiertargets for attaching skimming devices to gather data.Generally non-bank locationshave less traffic and no surveillance cameras. Monitor your bank accounts closely. Checkingstatements online is preferableinstead of waiting fur monthlystatements to arrive in themall. Federai law limits yourliabillty for fraudulent debitcard charges to $50, but onlyif the theft or loss is reportedwithin two business days ofdiscovering the problem.When you have unauthorized charges on a credit card,you won't be out any moneywhile the disputed charges arebeing investigated. However,when money is stolen fromyour bank account, the fundswon't be restored until thebank finishes an investigation.

Onllne search toolThe BBB in a continued effort to create a communitytrustworthy bUSinesses, haslaunched a new online searctool to help consumers find

businesses they can trustwhen doing online researchand shopping.Powered by Azigo' s free,downloadable browser plugin, the BBB's Accredited Business Locator displays the BBBAccredited Business seal whesearches for products andservices are madesearch engines such asGoogle, Yahool and Bing.Not only does this seal indicate that a business is rep

utable, but it also offers oneclick access to the BBB reportfor that business. The Accredited BUsiness Locator can bedownloaded atwww.ms.bbb.org.This powerful new tool provides maximum consumerprotection and minimizes therisk of online fraud. Consumers rely on the BBB sealto quickly and easily identifytrustworthy businesses. Withmore than $150 billion beingspent online last year, we seethe Accredited Business Locator as a distinct way to bringour advice and services directly to consumers at the pointin time when they need it themost - before they buy.

Contact the MississippiBBB www.ms.bbb.org or at(800) 987-8280.Bill Moak is president, Better Business Bureau ofMississippi.

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