Card Lock is a security feature which allows you to block new authorizations on your debit card and/or credit card. If you misplace your card, locking can prevent criminals from using your card, until you need to report the card as Lost/Stolen.
Note: If an unauthorized person obtained your debit card information through card skimming, you have 60 days to notify your bank of debit card fraud. You won't be liable for any unauthorized transactions within the first 60 days of realizing debit card fraud occurred.
Malware and spyware
Accidentally downloading malware or spyware can enable hackers to access information stored on your computer, including credit card information and other details. Malware may include a keylogger that records your keystrokes or browser history and then sends that information to a hacker.
Debit card fraud occurs when a thief accesses your card or PIN number and makes unauthorized transactions. The easiest way to spot debit card fraud is to sign up for online banking and monitor your account for suspicious activity.
Capable hackers are able to crack the security on merchants and other card data holders, and access large volumes of card data. With the heightened awareness of cybercrime, the industry has made strides in using more secure techniques for storing data (or in many cases, ensuring that they don't store it).
Unfortunately, you don't have direct access to information about who used your card. However, you should report any unauthorized transactions immediately to your card issuer, who may investigate.
Contact your bank as soon as possible and tell the service representative that somebody has your code. Or if you have your bank's app on your smartphone, check if you can block your card yourself. Check your account for suspicious activity or unauthorized charges. Stay vigilant.
PINless debit card fraudulent transactions can occur if your card gets stolen or someone copies your credit card details. Although a thief can't withdraw cash or get cashback at a store without the pin, they can still go on a shopping spree with it.
When you lock a card, new charges and cash advances will be denied. However, recurring autopayments, such as subscriptions and monthly bills charged to the card, will continue to go through. Typically, so will bank fees, returns, credits, interest and rewards.
The bottom line
In most cases, getting a card lock in place only stops new purchases. Recurring transactions, like subscription charges or monthly bills, can still go through. If you want to set or lift a credit card freeze, log into your online credit card account or use your credit card issuer's mobile app.
Only utilize ATMs associated with a bank; stay away from potential “skimming” locations such as gas stations and deli kiosks.
Debit cards are as vulnerable to theft as credit cards and offer limited fraud protection. Depending on how soon you report the fraud, you could be responsible for up to $50 in unauthorized transactions – or the full amount. Learn about debit card fraud protection and what you can do to minimize your liability.
Avoid storing your debit card number or PIN on your device or sending it through email. If someone gets access to your phone, computer or email, they could have all the information they need to take money from your account. Protect your debit card when shopping online.
A common way to steal debit or credit card information is called 'skimming' or 'swiping,' where thieves pass your card through a device that reads and records the information from the magnetic swipe.
As with online transactions, it's usually safe to do this — just make sure that no one overhears the details you give out (so avoid public places when doing this). But you should never provide the details of your CVV when making a purchase in-person.
A CVV (Card Verification Value) number is a security feature that helps protect a debit card from unauthorized use or fraud. It is typically required for online transactions to verify that the person making the purchase is in possession of the physical card. Without the CVV number, the transaction cannot be completed.
My debit card has been used fraudulently
The regulations state you must be refunded immediately if you've had money taken from your account without your permission. You must report the loss of your debit card, or any unauthorised payments, as soon as possible.
They offer most of the conveniences of credit cards with no risk of accumulating debt. But like credit cards, debit cards are vulnerable to rip-off artists. And debit card fraud is particularly scary because thieves can withdraw money directly from your checking account.
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, are expected to eliminate this risk.
Is it possible for someone to use your debit or credit card with just the card number and the CVV? Yes, this type of fraud is known as "card-not-present" fraud, as the thief does not have possession of the physical card. This type of fraud is becoming more common with the rise of online shopping and e-commerce.
Since credit cards offer fraud liability protections that debit cards do not, meaning online purchases with credit come with fewer risks. So if you're debating debit or credit for online shopping, pick credit for a safer shopping experience.