The Scoop On Debit Card Fraud - Members Community Credit Union (2024)

FAQs

How did someone get my debit card info if I never used it? ›

Skimming. Identity thieves can retrieve account data from your card's magnetic strip using a device called a skimmer, which they can stash in ATMs and store card readers. They can then use that data to produce counterfeit cards. EMV chip cards, which are replacing magnetic strip cards, can reduce this risk.

Reporting a Debit Card or ATM Card as Stolen or Lost

Under the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act, your liability is: $0 if you report the loss or theft of the card immediately and before any unauthorized charges are made. up to $50 if you notify the bank within two business days after you realize the card is missing.

Thieves can obtain your card number, expiry date, and security code using different techniques. They can use skimming devices placed on ATMs or point-of-sale payment terminals or phishing scams where they trick you into revealing your card details or hacking into databases that store card information.

It's a common misconception that your bank can track a missing debit or credit card. Banks can only locate the merchant of the last transactions, not the card itself. Debit and credit cards don't have built-in tracking technology.

Once you notify your bank or credit union about an unauthorized transaction (that is, a charge or withdrawal you didn't make or allow), it generally has ten business days to investigate the issue. The bank or credit union must correct an error within one business day after determining that an error has occurred.

The police can then investigate the matter and potentially file felony charges against the culprit. If the thief is found and convicted, the judge can order that the thief pay victim restitution; or. Filing a civil lawsuit. The victim can sue the thief for theft and fraud.

Fraudsters can still use your debit card even if they don't have the card itself. They don't even need your PIN—just your card number. If you've used your debit card for an off-line transaction (a transaction without your PIN), your receipt will show your full debit card number.

swiping your debit card through a device that copies the information stored on the magnetic stripe on the back of your card. looking at your personal identification number (PIN) over your shoulder when you're using your debit card. sending you a fraudulent email asking for your banking information (also called phishing ...

Bank account fraud can happen through card skimming or when someone steals your debit card. Debit cards don't offer as much protection as credit cards, and you can lose money. To reduce risk, review your bank statements frequently and avoid using your card at certain places.

How do debit card fraudsters get caught? ›

How Do Banks Investigate Fraud? Bank investigators will usually start with the transaction data and look for likely indicators of fraud. Time stamps, location data, IP addresses, and other elements can be used to prove whether or not the cardholder was involved in the transaction.

Similarly to card skimming, card scanning is a type of payment card theft where the fraudster with a scanning device gets close enough to your bag or wallet to scan your card number. This type of fraud is enabled by the fact that today's payment cards typically work on Radio Identification Frequency (RFID) technology.

The fraudster may tamper with an existing payment terminal or ATM. They typically do so by hacking into it or inserting a skimming device. In rare cases, the criminal may modify an ATM and place it in a public place. Thinking it's real, the victim uses it and exposes their card information.

Contact the company or bank that issued the credit card or debit card. Tell them it was a fraudulent charge. Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.

While many cases can be resolved quickly, some are more complex and can take up to 90 days.

The fraudster may tamper with an existing payment terminal or ATM. They typically do so by hacking into it or inserting a skimming device. In rare cases, the criminal may modify an ATM and place it in a public place. Thinking it's real, the victim uses it and exposes their card information.

There are several ways people steal credit card numbers, including through your mail, email, public Wi-Fi networks, and data breaches. Keep careful watch of your credit card statements, credit report, and personal information so you can act quickly if you see any suspicious activity.

If you receive a debit/credit card that you didn't apply for from a bank that you don't bank with, call the card's bank immediately. The bank will be able to clarify why you received the card or tell you if it's a scam. Do NOT use the contact numbers provided in the mail with the card.

Criminals install a “skimmer” – a credit card cloning machine that secretly reads and copies card information – in an ATM or point-of-sale terminal. A customer's card is fed through the card reader on the ATM or POS device (to facilitate the transaction) and the skimmer (to copy the card's information).