With all the digital wizardry available for thieves and crooks to use, it’s hard to keep your money safe, especially with your alternatives to personal banking like using ATMs, credit cards, even mobile banking. But what gives thieves instant access to your bank account readily once they pick your pocket would be you bank cards - ATMs and Credit Cards. Here are a few tips on how to keep your accounts safe.

Card and PIN safety

Once you get your card from the bank, read all attached literature and notices to make sure you know the bank’s policies and rules on the card. Sign the back of your card as soon as you get it. I bet it’s one of the things stressed in the literature. This would prevent anyone else from using your card.

Never write down your personal identification number (PIN). If you just happen to be so forgetful and need to write it down, write it down as part of a fictitious entry in you address book. It could be part of an address or phone number.

Never give anyone your PIN. Phishers would try to obtain your PIN and account information through phony e-mails and phone-calls. Real banks never do this.

Just in case you lose your card notify your bank immediately.

When using machines

Always go for the machine that’s in high traffic areas and a well-lit one. Secluded and dark areas are just begging for a mugging to take place. Check out for suspicious objects or persons around the machine. Some crooks install cameras in things soda cups just near the machines to capture your card number and the PIN as you type. Some just lurk and wait for you to withdraw money and mug you.

Always cover the keypad as you type in your PIN. If anyone suddenly approaches you near the machine, cancel the transaction and yell for help.

When shopping with credit cards

Crooks lurk everywhere. Even in establishments that you shop in. Some of these clerks have also gone wise and rob credit card information from shoppers using swipe machines that extract information from your card. As a precaution always follow where your card goes. Always make sure that they swipe your card in the register and no one else. If they insist that they will have it checked, like in a back room, insist on the reason and demand that you accompany your card.

Online transactions

I, myself, do most of my banking online. But I only do in the comfort of my own home, in my own computer, and Internet connection. Using public terminals and Internet cafes is a dangerous way to transact. Remember, these terminals may have trojans, spyware, or keyloggers that can store any information you type in.

Account statements

One sign of credit fraud is dubious purchases and withdrawals. Always check your account statements for any suspicious transaction. If you find any, call you bank up ASAP and notify them of the matter. If you refute these charges within a given cycle, you wouldn’t pay for these.

Keep your accounts just in case you need them for future references or for taxation. You can discard them after you get a quarterly or yearly statement but when you do, shred or burn them.