Protecting Your
Debit Card
By Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
I have to admit I am a fanatic about protecting my credit cards,
my wallet, and anything else in my purse. I hold my purse securely, and never
put it down.
Sometimes when I go shopping with my husband, it gets heavy and
I start complaining. He offers to let me put it in the cart, where he will watch
it. Right! I let him do it once. Of course, without thinking he turned his back
on it and went to pick something out. We go through this ritual with regularity.
He actually tries to wrestle my purse away...but I always prevail. (I guess I
should stop complaining).
I can't say that my children are as careful. One of my sons left
his debit card at the bank. Instead of turning it in, whoever found it went on a
shopping spree. It can be hard to maintain a positive outlook on humanity when
it happens to one of your children, especially when you know how hard they have
worked for their money.
Debit cards do not have the same theft protection as charge
cards. If someone takes your card, and uses it without your authorization, you
are going to end up paying for some of it. It can cost you anywhere from $50 to
$500, depending on when you report the theft.
Sometimes you do not even know the card is gone for several
days. At the worst, you open up your bank statement and discover it. You must
report it within 60 days of receiving your statement, or you could end up paying
for everything that was charged with your card.
Every bank
is different. Some will promise you a $50 limit on damages from theft, no
matter when you report it. Check with your bank.