Debit Card Safety This Holiday Season

For a payment method that has been around since the late 1960s, debit cards have remained a trustworthy form of transacting for American consumers. According to the J.D. Power 2024 Debit Card Satisfaction Survey, 72% of customers say they use a debit card at the point of sale, as compared to cash, credit cards, and digital wallets. Because of the debit card's long-lasting prevalence, it can be easy to forget the ways that criminals can take advantage of this payment method.

What makes a debit card vulnerable?

A physical card isn't always needed

Have you ever made a payment online? Chances are, you have. Did you need to provide any proof of your physical debit card? No. All a criminal needs is a card number, security code, name on the card, and a zip code to be able to make unauthorized purchases from your debit card.

How should this impact holiday shopping?

When it comes to buying the perfect gift for someone, safety precautions are not usually top-of-mind. You can use your debit card to shop in-person and online, but keep these tips in mind to ensure your information remains secure.

In-person

When making purchases in-person, use contactless payment whenever it is available. Criminals can use skimming tactics to steal debit card information when a card is swiped or inserted into a card reader. These illegal devices added to the machines steal the information for the scammer to use later.

Contactless payment provides a safer method for making purchases in-store. Contactless payment transactions generate an encrypted, one-time code that uses technology to connect your bank account with the merchant's payment reader. By holding your card or device close to the point-of-sale system, you can make payments without the threat of having your card information skimmed.

Online

When shopping online, only shop from reputable websites and trusted merchants. While a website may boast a great deal or a holiday gift item that seems too good to be true, don't be lured into suspicious websites. Make purchases only when connected to a secure Wi-Fi network, look for a security lock symbol next to the URL, and ensure the web address begins with "https" rather than "http." By verifying these three items before making an online purchase, you can play a role in keeping your debit card information safe.

How to safeguard your finances

West Bank provides many features and tools to help you keep your transactions safe. Utilize these resources in addition to general safety practices to keep your holiday season running smoothly.

Fraud Text Alerts

To enhance the security of your debit card, all West Bank debit cardholders with a valid cell phone number on our system are enrolled in our debit card fraud text alerts program. This means you will receive text notifications of potential fraudulent transactions on your card with the ability to respond back to confirm the validity of the transaction.

Traveling

If you plan to travel out of state and especially if you will be traveling internationally, contact us to communicate your travel plans. You can also do this in the West Bank Mobile App by clicking on "My Cards" and "Manage Travel Plans." Communicating your travel with the bank will help ensure you can still make payments in these destinations without the transactions being flagged as fraudulent.

Contact us immediately if your card is lost or stolen or if you see purchases you don't recognize. Call customer service during regular business hours at 515-222-2360 or after regular business hours at 1-855-464-5407.