--- title: "Think Before You Swipe: 3 Shocking Places You Never Realized Were Dangerous for Using YOUR Debit Card!" description: "Think Before You Swipe: 3 Shocking Places You Never Realized Were Dangerous for Using YOUR Debit Card!" image: https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/credit-card-skimming.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/think-before-you-swipe-3-shocking-places-you-never-realized-were-dangerous-for-using-your-debit-card#main-content) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) - [Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) - [Services *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link [*Facebook*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/think-before-you-swipe-3-shocking-places-you-never-realized-were-dangerous-for-using-your-debit-card#0) [*Instagram*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/think-before-you-swipe-3-shocking-places-you-never-realized-were-dangerous-for-using-your-debit-card#0) [*LinkedIn*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/think-before-you-swipe-3-shocking-places-you-never-realized-were-dangerous-for-using-your-debit-card#0) [*Twitter*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/think-before-you-swipe-3-shocking-places-you-never-realized-were-dangerous-for-using-your-debit-card#0) [*Youtube*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/think-before-you-swipe-3-shocking-places-you-never-realized-were-dangerous-for-using-your-debit-card#0) [*Medium*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/think-before-you-swipe-3-shocking-places-you-never-realized-were-dangerous-for-using-your-debit-card#0) 1 min read # Think Before You Swipe: 3 Shocking Places You Never Realized Were Dangerous for Using YOUR Debit Card! [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Dec 31, 2014, 2:20:21 PM [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) ![Credit Card Skimming](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/credit-card-skimming.jpg?width=200&name=credit-card-skimming.jpg)Would you feel comfortable handing a thief access to your checking account? No? We don’t blame you. As data breaches continue to rise, there’s a lot of focus on using credit cards safely, but debit cards can actually present a greater risk. How? Well, credit card users can simply decline charges and not pay the bill until the issue is resolved, whereas debit cards draw cash directly from the account and not much can be done on the users part. Unfortunately, you’re probably using your debit card in a risky manner and leaving yourself open to financial theft if you’re swiping in one of these places: 1. **Skimming ATMS:** Did you know some ATMs give thieves a great opportunity to skim debit card information from unsuspecting victims? Essentially, skimming occurs when a thief installs a device that reads magnetic strips on debit cards. If you’re using an open ATM that’s easily accessible, always look around and make sure it doesn’t seem beaten up or askew. For a safer alternative, go to your local branch ATM as they’re typically more secure. 1. **Online stores:** For those who prefer not to use credit cards, debit cards can be convenient for shopping online. Unfortunately, shopping online is a dangerous way of making purchases; whether your computer is infected with malware, a man-in-the-middle attack occurs, or the merchant’s database gets hacked, you’re taking a big risk. Make sure online stores are completely safe before making any purchases. 1. **Restaurants:** When you’re going to a restaurant, always keep in mind that cashiers tend to keep customer payment information on file, in order to make any potential future orders simpler and more convenient. If the restaurant is small, instead of a chain restaurant, it’s even more dangerous as small businesses often don’t safeguard payment data as much as necessary. Whenever possible, pay with cash instead. **Financial fraud is always a scary possibility, however, taking the right precautions and being careful can minimize the risk of having your checking account fall into the wrong hands. To learn more, give us a call or send us an email. Our team of cyber security experts are happy to help you keep your sensitive information safe.** - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![BusinessOwnerGuidetoM&A-1](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png?width=303&height=209&name=BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png) #### Download our eBook*THE ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO CMMC COMPLIANCE* by filling out the form below! 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[Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/does-your-existing-it-support-provider-disrupt-your-day-and-bill-you-for-doing-so) [![If You’re Still Using Antivirus Software, You’re Risking Your Data, Your Business, and Wasting Your Money!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/antivirus-software.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/if-youre-still-using-antivirus-software-youre-risking-your-data-your-business-and-wasting-your-money) #### [If You’re Still Using Antivirus Software, You’re Risking Your Data, Your Business, and Wasting Your Money!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/if-youre-still-using-antivirus-software-youre-risking-your-data-your-business-and-wasting-your-money) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : May 14, 2014, 2:48:07 PM Security software giant, Symantec, recently admitted that their antivirus software is no longer effective against today’s sophisticated cyber... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/if-youre-still-using-antivirus-software-youre-risking-your-data-your-business-and-wasting-your-money) [![Does Your Daily Routine Set You Up For Success?](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/GettyImages-496854380.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/does-your-daily-routine-set-you-up-for-success) #### [Does Your Daily Routine Set You Up For Success?](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/does-your-daily-routine-set-you-up-for-success) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/lance-stone) : Aug 2, 2019, 6:27:00 AM Daily Routine Offers Benefits that Lead to Better Outcomes [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/does-your-daily-routine-set-you-up-for-success) ![OTT White logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VN%20-%20Division%20Logos/OTT%20Logo/OTT%20White%20logo.png?width=524&height=140&name=OTT%20White%20logo.png)   ##### About About On Time Tech is an IT Support and Computer Services company serving California. 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