Four Places You Should Never Use a Debit Card

WalletPop Editor

Filed under: Buyer Beware, Fraud, Technology, Travel

Debit cards make it easy to pay for purchases without carrying loads of cash around. But they also carry inherent risks as well. This week the government of Ontario was forced to close all of its 300 ServiceOntario kiosks when a security breach was discovered. The kiosks are used by Ontarians to automatically apply for or renew drivers licenses, vehicle registrations, health cards and other services. The news comes as Toronto and Peel Region police are warning about new methods being used to skim debit and credit cards in the Greater Toronto Area.

If someone is able to skim information from your debit card, you risk losing money without the ability to get compensation; with credit cards, you are better protected against any charges made on it by a thief. Unless you trust the business or ATM you are about to use, it's might be safer to use a credit card or cash. Credit cards are best in restaurants, and paying the gas station attendant as opposed to paying at the pump eliminates another risk. Whatever you do, stay away from those dodgy third party ATMs that are popping up everywhere. An ATM located inside bank premises is the best place to use your card.

SLIDESHOW: CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE FOUR PLACES TO AVOID USING A DEBIT CARD

Risky Places to Use a Debit Card

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waxwhiz

I do not have, or want, a debit card so no problem.

October 07 2012 at 2:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

evecaren

Maybe the best solution is not using any debit card at all. I used to have a
debit card until someone in my family reminded me there is a fee for using
the debit card. Then it was easy. I cancelled mine.

September 02 2012 at 9:14 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

arj0127

Given the cost banks charge for debit card transactions, they should offer some form of insurance to the card holder. If credit cards offer this protection, so should debit cards.

June 08 2012 at 8:40 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Dan

simple way to avoid this happening, know what the legitimate equipment looks like and compare it to any other one you are thinking about using. Skimmers are obvious because they are attached to the equipment where you would insert or swipe your card. Avoid using equipment located in shady places and always cover they keypad as best you can when entering your pin. Half the battle is stealing your card information with a skimmer, the other half is getting your pin number.

June 07 2012 at 2:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply