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ATM cards

Choose a personal identification number (PIN) that's not your phone number, Social Security, or the numbers in your birthday.

Memorize your PIN and don't write it on anything in your wallet. In a third of all ATM card frauds, the PIN was on the card or in the wallet. Never put your PIN on a deposit slip, envelope, or postcard. Check all ATM receipts against blank statements. Never lend your cards to anyone or leave cards or receipts lying around the house.

Timing is everthing
If someone steals your ATM card and uses it, you could be responsible for up to $500 or more. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) says the amount you're responsible for depends on when you report the loss. If you report the card missing before it's used, you're not responsible for any unauthorized withdrawals. If you call within two business days of unauthorized use, the most you'll be responsible for is $50. Beyond that timer period, you could be responsible for up to $500. If you don't report any unauthorized use within 60 days of the bank statement mailing, you face unlimited losses from your checking, your overdraft credit line, and any other linked account.

Keep checking your statements
Even after you have reported your ATM or credit cards missing, check your statements. If you find any suspicious charges, send a letter to your bank listing each one. Include your account number, date stolen, and date reported.

Additional Resources-A card registration notifies all card companies and banks when your cards are lost or stolen. It's the only call you need to make to report a loss. Most services will order cards for you as well. Compare services and check that you'll be reimbursed if they don't report the card loss promptly.