JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Like many people, Eli Velazquez reaches for his debit card without thinking twice.
“I use it all the time, seven days a week,” he said.
But unlike credit cards, debit cards draw money directly from your checking account. And if you’re not careful, a simple swipe can be like handing over everything you have to a thief.
According to the Better Business Bureau, outdoor standalone ATMs are a favorite spot for thieves to place skimming devices which can capture your information. Other hotspots include pay-at-the-pump gas station, restaurants where servers walk away for awhile with your card, and unsecure websites or wireless networks.
The seeming lack of security has pushed some plastic users, like Karen Overstreet, to switch to using just credit cards and cash.
"I actually have identity theft protection on the credit card, which I don't get on the debit card to my knowledge. It feels more secure,” Overstreet said.
But Velazquez says despite the warnings, he’s not yet ready to part with his checking card.
"It scares me. But as of now, there's no option,” said Velazquez.
Experts recommend checking your accounts regularly. If you see any incorrect charges, report them immediately.
