Protect Your Bank Account

By far, fraudulent use of credit cards and bank accounts was the most common form of identity theft in 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Luckily, such fraud is usually among the easiest for victims to resolve. The law limits your liability for unauthorized credit card purchases to $50 (the major credit card networks all have zero liability policies.) Your responsibility for transactions on a stolen debit card could be $500 or more if you don't report the problem promptly, but your bank will most likely make you whole.

Still, a drained bank account creates stress and inconvenience. If you're a disciplined spender, using a credit card and paying it off each month is a good idea- you'll enjoy stronger protections and limit your debit card's exposure to theft. When you use your card at an ATM or gas pump, check for skimming devices, which criminals install to steal card data, by tugging at the card slot. If anything shifts, don't use the machine. Shield the keypad with one hand as you enter your PIN to block it from hidden cameras or wandering eyes nearby. Check card statements for charges you don't recognize- especially small charges, which thieves may use to test the card.