Debit card fraud is sometimes lumped into the same category as credit card fraud, but the two are very different. Debit cards link directly to your money, your real cash, and recovering those funds is a long and tedious process. Here are a few simple things you can do to shield yourself from debit card fraud.

Use the internet or automated phone service to keep tabs on all your accounts.

Checking the balance in your checking account every other day will arm you with the best defense against fraud: information. The more familiar you are with the comings and goings of your account, the quicker you can spot something fishy.

Don’t use your debit card for purchases at places you don’t trust.

If you’re unsure about the security at a place of business, use your credit card or cash to pay. A credit card doesn’t suck the funds from your bank account immediately like a debit card, so it gives you some time to check and make sure everything is alright before paying off the balance. This applies for online purchases as well. Treat websites the same way you would treat brick and mortar businesses, if it looks untrustworthy, don’t trust it!

Hold on to your card

Most restaurants are fairly trustworthy places, however it is an ideal environment for a devious waiter to make off with your card number. When you give them your card to pay the check, they take it back to the register, usually out of sight, and run the transaction. This gives them plenty of time to copy your number, your signature, even the little security code on the back.

Spread out your money

Don’t link all your accounts to your debit card! If someone gets hold of the number they can completely clean you out. Instead, have a small savings account that can only be accessed by the old fashioned human teller at a bank branch. That way if your checking gets wiped out, you still have some cash in your savings. This is important, because the bank could take up to 10 days to investigate your claim, and they won’t refund you until that time is up.

While using debit cards may sound insecure and dangerous, the reality is that with a little precaution and knowledge, they can be excellent tools. Banks are starting to emplace more safeguards on debit cards, such as transaction amount limits. These limits can be lifted for certain authorized transactions if you contact your bank, but in case your card number falls into the wrong hands, the thief can only take a certain amount out in a 24 hour period.