Technology
Advice from fraud specialist who files debit card swindling claims all day
While different types of fraud can bring their own elements of frustrations and consequences, debit card fraud can leave your bank account empty almost immediately and be hard to recover from.
That’s why we are so grateful to Brenda, from Orange Park, Florida, who is a debit fraud specialist, and shared her incredible knowledge and insight to protect you from debit card fraud.
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Woman at ATM (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Navigating debit card safety: Do’s and don’ts for smart financial management
As someone who processes debit fraud claims daily, and luckily has never experienced it herself, below are the top do’s and don’ts of debit card use from Brenda and us.
1) Safest way to use your debit card: Use your debit card to withdraw money from your own financial institution’s ATM or teller. Preferably transfer larger amounts of money out of a checking account into high-yield savings accounts so that your money isn’t readily available in large sums in a checking account.
2) Why credit cards are generally better for purchases: Don’t use your debit card to make regular or frequent purchases. It is better to use a regular credit card for those transactions. It leaves you less exposed to potential debit card fraud. If a scammer gets a hold of your credit card, it is easier to freeze that card, cancel it or get a new one issued. If your debit card or debit card number gets compromised, you could lose all your cash in your checking account.
Person using phone to make purchase (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IS HACKED
3) Consider using mobile wallets for convenience and security: If you must use your debit card to make regular purchases, add it to your smartphone wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) and use it that way instead of swiping your debit card. Not being swiped likely prevents your card from being skimmed.
4) Protecting your PIN is crucial: Do not write your PIN down on your card or a piece of paper in your wallet.
5) Recurring payments aren’t affected by locking your card: Even if you have recurring payments for bills such as utilities, they usually can still be made if your debit card is locked. When a debit card is locked, single transactions aren’t allowed.
6) Don’t share your debit card: Your debit card is a legal agreement between you and your financial institution. Letting anyone else use your card, even family, may jeopardize your ability to be compensated for fraudulent transactions. Your child accidentally purchasing something with your debit card saved on your mobile app is not considered fraud.
7) Financial reimbursement might not be immediate: While some financial institutions will reimburse fraudulent transactions, they may not be fast enough to cover checks, e-checks or recurring financial transactions. You’d likely be at risk of incurring overdraft fees, non-sufficient funds or late charges from your financial institutions, creditors or merchants – all of which would be costly.
8) Enable alerts to catch fraudulent activity quickly: Most financial institutions offer financial alerts or restrictions for all transactions on checking accounts and cards. Use them so you can be notified of any fraudulent transactions immediately. The faster you can report these charges to your financial institution, the more likely you are to stop scammers in their tracks.
Couple who learned about debit card fraud (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to prevent debit card fraud?
Here are additional steps you can take to help you prevent crooks from gaining access to your debit card:
Keep your card safe physically: Store your debit card in a secure place when not in use. Don’t write down your PIN or keep it with your card. Be cautious when using your debit card in public places and shield your PIN when entering it.
Use strong PINs: Choose a unique and strong PIN that isn’t easily guessable. Avoid using numbers like your birth date, address or easily recognizable sequences. Don’t share your PIN with anyone.
Create strong, unique passwords: for your accounts and devices. Avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess.
Use biometric authentication: Consider using biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) if your device supports it. This can provide an extra layer of security and convenience for you.
Regularly review your transactions: Frequently monitor your bank statements and transaction history for any authorized or suspicious transactions. Set up account alerts for large transactions or any activity that falls outside your normal spending patterns.
Use secure networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted and vulnerable to hackers who can intercept your data or infect your device with malware.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): When accessing your financial accounts over public networks, you should use a VPN. We recommend using a VPN to protect against hackers snooping on your device as well. VPNs will protect you from those who want to track and identify your potential location and the websites that you visit. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
Beware of phishing scams: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts or calls asking for your debit card information or login credentials. It could be a phishing scam. Never click on suspicious links or images or download attachments from unknown sources.
Have good antivirus software on all your devices: Keeping hackers out of your devices can often be prevented when you have good antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having antivirus software on your devices will help make sure you are stopped from clicking on any known malicious links, attachments or images that may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information. Find my review of Best Antivirus Protection here.
Regularly update your software: Keep your computer, smartphone and other devices updated with the latest security patches and updates.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA): If your bank offers two-factor authentication, enable it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
Use secure ATMs: Whenever possible, use ATMs that are located in well-lit and secure areas. Avoid ATMs that appear tampered with or have suspicious devices attached to them or point-of-sale terminals.
A woman taking money out of her account using ATM (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER CARRY THESE THINGS IN YOUR WALLET
Regularly monitor your credit reports: Check your credit reports for any unusual activity that might indicate fraud or identity theft. If you find any errors or discrepancies on your credit reports, contact the credit bureaus and the creditors involved as soon as possible to dispute them.
Consider debit card controls and mobile apps: Some banks offer apps that allow you to turn your card on or off instantly, set spending limits and receive notifications for transactions.
Make purchases from trusted sites: Only use reputable and secure websites for online shopping and payments. Look for a padlock symbol in the address bar before entering your card details.
What to do if you are a victim of debit card fraud?
Contact your bank immediately
Report the fraudulent transactions and request to freeze or cancel your debit card. Your bank will investigate the fraud and may issue you a new card and a refund. Depending on your bank’s policy, you may have to file a written claim or a police report to support your case.
Review your bank statements and credit reports
Check for any other unauthorized charges or suspicious activity on your accounts. You can also get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you find any errors or signs of identity theft, dispute them with the credit bureau and the creditor.
Use identity theft protection
Identity theft protection companies can monitor personal information, like your home title, Social Security number, phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
The great part of some identity theft companies is that they often include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks for best identity theft protection.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Though many people use debit cards as they would use their credit cards, there is a whole world of problems that can occur with your debit card if it falls in the wrong hands. Having your debit card information stolen or compromised doesn’t just jeopardize your credit line, it may mean all the money in your account can disappear. If you treat your debit card like a signed, blank check, you’d likely leave it somewhere safe at home.
Considering the potential downsides of debit cards, do you see a future where they become less common due to security concerns? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Though Tim Cook is shedding his CEO title for the role of Apple’s executive chairman, it appears he’ll keep one of his most important duties: that of the company’s Trump whisperer.
“As executive chairman, Cook will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world,” Apple writes in a press release. Translation: he’s sticking around to deal with thorny political relationships — in particular the one with President Donald Trump.
Throughout his tenure, Cook has navigated Apple through tricky political terrain. He’s had to balance the company’s massive business interest in China with US policymakers’ concerns, and he’s worked to appease Trump for favorable regulatory decisions, without alienating too many Apple employees and customers in the process.
Cook has navigated Apple through tricky political terrain
The task of wooing Trump has repeatedly placed Cook in embarrassing situations: Cook showed the president around a factory in Texas in 2019, where Trump wrongly boasted that because of his policies, Apple was building a new manufacturing plant in the US. Last year, he presented Trump with a symbolic gift of “Made in the USA” glass from Apple supplier Corning set in 24-karat gold.
Recently, Cook took criticism from Trump critics for attending a movie night at the White House, for a screening of the documentary Melania, the same day that Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents on the streets of Minneapolis during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Cook later vaguely referred to the “events in Minneapolis,” and referenced a “good conversation with the president.”
As Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus takes over as CEO, the company will need to overcome significant policy challenges, including global efforts to regulate AI, and a push for app stores to verify user ages. Lucky for Ternus, Cook will still be there to take on that job.
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Just about every day, we receive emails from readers who have encountered new scams. Many involve cryptocurrency. The pattern keeps repeating. Someone receives a message that feels urgent, emotional or exciting. The person on the other end sounds confident and persuasive. Before long, the victim is being asked to send money through cryptocurrency. Once the money is sent, it often disappears forever.
Cryptocurrency appeals to scammers for a simple reason. Transactions move quickly, often cross international borders and usually cannot be reversed once completed. That combination makes crypto payments especially attractive to criminals.
Kate recently wrote to us with a great question.
“Could you do an article that illustrates the scripts used by scammers to lure people to send money using cryptocurrency. Those scripts must be very convincing to get so many reasonably intelligent people to send money. Maybe five or six examples of the scripts, so people, especially seniors, will know what to watch out for.”
Kate is absolutely right. These scripts are convincing because scammers practice them constantly. They use psychology, urgency and emotion to push people toward quick decisions.
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Crypto scammers use polished scripts built on urgency, trust and emotion to pressure victims into sending irreversible payments. (gpointstudio/Getty Images)
Let’s break down some of the most common crypto scam scripts, so you know what they sound like before they reach your inbox or phone.
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The investment opportunity script
This script often begins with a friendly introduction through social media, email or even a text message.
Example script:
“Hi, I work with a private investment group that trades cryptocurrency. We’ve helped many people earn steady returns. If you invest $500 today, you could earn $5,000 within weeks. I can show you proof of other investors’ success.”
The scammer may send fake screenshots of profits. Some will even allow a small withdrawal early on to build trust. Eventually, they push the victim to send larger deposits. Once the larger transfer is sent, the account suddenly stops responding.
The romance crypto script
This scam often starts with a simple message on a dating app, Facebook or Instagram. The first contact is friendly and low-pressure.
Example initial script:
“Hi, insert name here, I hope you don’t mind me saying hello. Your profile caught my attention, and you seem like a very kind person. How has your day been?”
After a few days of conversation, the scammer begins sharing details about their life. They often claim to work overseas as an engineer, doctor or business owner. Eventually, they mention cryptocurrency trading as something they do on the side.
Later message in the script:
“I have been doing some short-term crypto trading after work. It has helped me save a lot faster. If you are interested, I can show you the platform I use. It is very easy to start with a small amount.”
From there, the scammer guides the victim to a fake trading site or asks them to transfer cryptocurrency to a wallet they control. At first, the account may show fake profits. The victim believes the investment is working and sends more money. Eventually, the victim cannot withdraw any money.
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From romance schemes to fake government threats, scammers often follow repeatable crypto scripts designed to sound convincing. Knowing the pattern can help you stop the fraud early. (Nhac NGUYEN / AFP via Getty Images)
The government impersonation script
Scammers often pretend to represent government agencies or law enforcement.
Example script:
“This is an urgent notice regarding your tax account. Your Social Security number has been linked to suspicious activity. To prevent legal action, you must verify your identity and pay the outstanding balance today using cryptocurrency.”
Government agencies do not demand payment through cryptocurrency. The goal is to scare you into acting quickly without checking the facts.
The tech support emergency script
This scam often begins with a pop-up warning or an unexpected phone call.
Example script:
“Your computer has been compromised by hackers. Your bank information may be at risk. To secure your system, we need you to transfer funds temporarily into a protected cryptocurrency wallet.“
The scammer claims the funds will be returned once the system is secure. In reality, the transfer moves the money directly to the criminal.
The crypto giveaway script
This scam frequently appears on social media or video platforms.
Example script:
“We are celebrating a new crypto launch. Send 0.1 Bitcoin to this wallet, and we will immediately send back double the amount.”
The message may appear to come from a well-known company or public figure. The wallet address belongs to the scammer. Anyone who sends funds receives nothing in return.
The fake recovery service script
This scam targets people who have already lost money.
Example script:
“We specialize in recovering stolen cryptocurrency. Our investigators located the wallet that received your funds. To begin the recovery process, we require a small crypto payment to unlock the legal tracing tools.”
The victim believes they are hiring professionals to recover their money. Instead, they are being scammed again.
Why these scripts work so well
These scams succeed because they exploit human behavior. First, they create urgency. Victims feel pressured to act quickly.
Second, they create trust. The scammer may sound friendly or sympathetic.
Third, they promise rewards. Investment scams offer profits that feel life-changing.
Finally, cryptocurrency adds confusion. Many people are still learning how it works. Criminals take advantage of that uncertainty.
Understanding these scripts is the first step to protecting yourself. Once you recognize the patterns scammers use, it becomes much easier to stop the conversation before money is involved.
How to protect yourself from crypto scams
Crypto scammers rely on urgency, trust and confusion to pressure victims into sending money. These practical steps can help you recognize warning signs and avoid costly mistakes.
1 CLICK COST A FATHER $4 MILLION IN BITCOIN TO VISHING SCAMMERS
Criminals favor cryptocurrency because transactions move fast, cross borders easily and usually cannot be reversed. That makes crypto a powerful tool for scammers. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
1) Slow down when money is involved
Scammers depend on urgency to push victims into fast decisions. If someone pressures you to send money immediately, treat it as a warning sign. Pause the conversation and verify the situation independently. Contact the company, agency or person through a known phone number or official website. Taking even a few minutes to step back can stop a scam before money leaves your account.
2) Never send cryptocurrency to someone you do not know
Cryptocurrency transactions work very differently from credit cards or bank transfers. Once funds are sent, they usually cannot be reversed. Scammers prefer crypto because it moves quickly and often crosses international borders. If someone asks for payment through Bitcoin, Ethereum or another digital currency, assume the request is suspicious until proven otherwise.
3) Verify investment opportunities independently
Many crypto scams promise fast profits or guaranteed returns. Legitimate investments never guarantee profits. Before investing, search the company name, website and contact information online. Look for warnings from regulators or consumer protection agencies. If you cannot find reliable information about the company, that is a major red flag.
4) Use strong antivirus software on your devices
Scammers frequently use phishing links, fake websites and malicious downloads to trick victims. Strong antivirus software can help detect these threats before they cause damage. Strong antivirus software can warn you about suspicious websites, block malicious downloads and help stop phishing attempts that try to steal your financial information. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
5) Reduce the personal information scammers can find online
Scammers often research their targets before sending messages. They may gather details from public records, social media or data broker websites. Limiting the amount of personal information available online can make it harder for criminals to craft convincing messages. Removing your data from people search sites with a data removal service can reduce the chances of becoming a target. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
6) Be cautious with online relationships
Romance scams often begin with friendly messages on dating apps or social media. Over time, the scammer builds trust and eventually introduces a crypto investment opportunity. If someone you have never met begins discussing cryptocurrency investments or asks you to move money, take a step back. Real relationships do not require financial transfers to strangers.
7) Never trust screenshots or profit dashboards
Crypto scammers often show screenshots of trading accounts that appear to generate large profits. These images are easy to fake or are displayed on fraudulent websites controlled by the scammer. Even if a platform shows profits, it does not mean the money exists. If you cannot withdraw funds easily through a verified exchange, the investment may be fake.
8) Watch for requests to move conversations off the platform
Many scams begin on social media, dating apps or messaging platforms. After the first contact, scammers often ask victims to continue the conversation on WhatsApp, Telegram or another private messaging app. Moving the conversation helps them avoid detection by the original platform. If someone quickly asks you to switch apps, treat it as a warning sign.
9) Talk to someone you trust before sending money
Scammers often isolate their victims and discourage them from discussing the situation with friends or family. Before sending cryptocurrency or making a large investment, pause and talk to someone you trust. A second opinion can often spot warning signs that are easy to miss when emotions are involved.
What to do if you already sent cryptocurrency to a scammer
If you believe you sent cryptocurrency to a scammer, act quickly. Contact the exchange or platform you used to send the funds and report the transaction immediately. Some exchanges may be able to flag the receiving wallet and help investigators track suspicious activity.
You should also report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and notify your local law enforcement agency. If the scam began on a social media site, dating app or messaging platform, report the account there as well so it can be investigated and removed.
While recovering funds can be difficult, reporting the incident can help authorities identify larger fraud networks and potentially prevent others from becoming victims.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Cryptocurrency scams continue to grow because the scripts are polished and carefully tested. The criminals behind them understand human psychology. They know when to apply pressure, when to build trust and when to promise rewards. Recognizing these patterns is one of the most powerful ways to stop them. When you know the script, the scam becomes much easier to spot.
Have you ever received a message that tried to convince you to send cryptocurrency, and did the script almost sound believable? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
As if there weren’t already enough devices listening in on everything being said in your home, Prego, the pasta and pizza sauce brand, is releasing a device designed to record everything said around the dinner table for posterity. The Connection Keeper, which looks like an oversized pasta jar lid, was created in collaboration with StoryCorps, the nonprofit organization focused on preserving the stories of Americans in a collection housed at the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center. There’s no AI, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, but you can optionally upload recordings to StoryCorps’ website to make them easier to share with family.
Prego says the goal of the device is to encourage families to make memories through conversation during dinner instead of staring at their phones — but only for a small number of families. The company is only planning to make less than 100 of them. The Connection Keeper will be available for purchase online starting on April 27th for $20 as part of a bundle that includes the device, a jar of Prego sauce, spaghetti noodles, and a deck of cards featuring conversation prompts and ideas.
Using the device is as easy as plopping the Connection Keeper down in the middle of everyone at the table and pressing one button to start recording. Using a pair of microphones, it captures CD-quality audio to a 16GB microSD card for up to eight hours when fully charged.
When dinner’s over, the recordings can be transferred to a computer over USB-C and then uploaded to a dedicated microsite created by StoryCorps where they’re preserved and accessible only by the uploader, unless they choose to share them with other StoryCorps users or the general public. You even have the option to archive them within the Library of Congress, which makes them public automatically, so hopefully your family talks about more than just stealing brainrots.
The recordings can be accessed on a smartphone through the StoryCorps app, but Prego intentionally left phones out of the rest of the process to discourage their use at the table. It’s also why the Connection Keeper lacks a screen. The goal was to minimize interactions with the device so family members instead focused on talking with each other.
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