Using your debit card in some places may be riskier than you think!  Credit cards do not have direct links to your checking account, which make them a little easier to debate and refute payment if one becomes a victim of fraud. Here are a few places that may pose more risk when making a debit card transaction:

1. Skimming ATM’s – It’s odd to think that an ATM is a dangerous place to swipe your debit card, but fraud criminals have schemed a way to easily record your account data through a method called skimming. Skimming is the practice of recording a user’s account data by running it through a machine that is attached to card reader in the ATM. Outside ATM’s are more susceptible to skimming, so use inside ATM’s whenever possible.
2. Gas Station Pumps – Gas station pumps are a fraud criminals dream, and very easily hacked. Just like skimming ATM’s, a gas station pump can easily be skimmed as well. Your account can be hacked and debited by the time you get home!
3. Online – The web boasts ample opportunity for your account information to be hacked, which makes it extremely risky for debit card purchases. Your computer may have malware from certain websites that make your sensitive information vulnerable to hackers. When possible use your credit card online, and save your debit card purchases for window shopping!