According to Consumer Reports, more and more Americans are making their purchases with debit cards. While debit cards are convenient, there is at least one good reason to reverse this trend. Debit cards are vulnerable to fraud that could leave cardholders without funds. Fortunately, there are some simple measures to avoid becoming a victim of a debit card scam.

Potential Problems with Debit Cards

Each time a debit card is scanned, the magnetic strip on the back of the card transfers information. When someone sets up equipment to capture that information fraudulently, it is called “skimming.” While credit cards are also vulnerable, thieves must run up a credit card with purchases and then sell them for cash. With a debit card, they can simply withdraw cash directly.

Skimmers most commonly install small devices on machines that accept debit payments but are not watched closely like gas station pumps or vending machines. Some contain cameras that capture customers entering their PINs.