Debit Card Tips

You use your debit card more than your credit card for purchases if you are like most Americans, and in many cases, that makes sense. You avoid racking up more credit card debt. Unfortunately, you also put your bank accounts at risk if you are not careful. To avoid becoming a victim of debit card fraud, consider these tips.

1. Check Your Account Frequently: 
   By checking your Massena Savings and Loan account often, you will be able to see any fraudulent charges quicker. If you do not have online banking, check your paper statements promptly when they arrive.
   
   
2. Report a lost debit card immediately. 
   If your debit card is lost or stolen, call Massena Savings and Loan immediately at (315) 764-0541 Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. If after hours, call 1 (833) 337-6075 for assistance.  Always report a lost or stolen debit card immediately. This will help prevent fraudulent transactions from posting to your account.
   
   
3. Report any unauthorized transactions immediately. 
   If you discover any unauthorized transactions, call Massena Savings and Loan immediately at (315) 764-0541 Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.  If after hours, call 1 (833) 735-1891 for assistance.  This will limit additional fraudulent transactions from posting to your account.
   
   
4. Inform us when you are traveling. 
   Before you leave, tell us when and where you will be traveling, as well as what Massena Savings and Loan debit cards you will be taking with you.  That way, we can appropriately monitor your accounts.  If you do not inform Massena Savings and Loan of your travel plans, some debit card transactions may be denied. 
   
   
5. Download and implement the “CardValet” app. 
   Card Valet (available in the App Store and Google Play) is an app offered by Massena Savings and Loan to help you control and monitor card usage anywhere, anytime using your mobile phone. With Card Valet, you can protect your card from fraud by setting alerts and controls to determine how your card can be used. In addition, if you misplace your card, you can use the app to turn it off . . . and then turn it back on when you find it! You can also use Card Valet to manage your spending. With customizable controls, alerts for spending limits, and easy-to-find account balances, you can set a budget and stick to it.
   
   
6. Keep your PIN a secret. 
   Never give out your debit card or credit card Personal Identification Number (PIN) to anyone. Your PIN number is for your use only.
   
   
7. Know your limits. 
   Many issuers limit daily purchases and withdrawals for your protection. If you do not know what these limits are, please call us at (315) 764-0541.
   
   
8. Don't use strange-looking ATM and payment terminals. 
   Criminals skim debit card information by attaching fake card readers and secondary keypads to ATM machines and other payment terminals. Do not use a machine that looks as if someone tampered with it. Report the problem to the owner and go elsewhere. If you are traveling, try to use an ATM terminal that is attended and pay for gas with the attendant rather than at the pump.
   
   
9. Make sure your transaction is complete. 
   Do not leave the machine until you are certain the transaction is finished, and you have put your cash away.  
   
   
10. Use a credit card for shopping online, if possible. 
    It is recommended to use a credit card instead of a debit card when shopping online, because credit cards come with better consumer protections in case of fraud or billing disputes. Stick to a credit card for large and travel-related purchases. Credit cards offer more protection if something goes wrong, and you will not have your money locked up if a hold is placed on your account to cover the cost of something like a hotel stay or a car rental. Using a debit card for travel can lead to trouble, as more people are unfortunately discovering.