Ever since they were introduced in the Philippines, debit cards have slowly become a mainstay financial tool for millions of middle-class Filipinos. With rising incomes and wider access to online banking services, more households now rely on debit cards for both online and offline shopping, bill payments, and even international travel. Alongside credit cards, debit cards have given families the financial flexibility they need to thrive amidst the Philippines’ ongoing digital transformation.
Unfortunately, as card adoption grows, cybercriminals are casting their nets wider, attacking individuals in addition to government and corporate networks. Indeed, hackers are now actively exploiting weak security habits and careless usage to steal sensitive financial information.
Fortunately, if you own a debit card, being aware of risky behaviors will do a lot to protect your money and personal details from data thieves. Let’s walk through the most common but risky debit card habits that you should avoid.
1. Not Properly Vetting the Websites You’re Sharing Your Card Information With
Typing your full card number, CVV, and expiry date into an unsecured website is like handing your wallet to a stranger. Even if the business itself might be legitimate, a compromised site or one with poor security can expose your details to attackers who intercept communications between your device and the server. And if the website turns out to be fake altogether, you’re giving your financial information directly to criminals with nothing in return.
Always double-check website URLs by making sure they use secure “HTTPS” connections and by confirming the site address is the one you actually intend to visit. Most importantly, avoid providing unnecessary details unless you’re absolutely sure about the recipient.
2. Using Weak or Recycled PINs
PINs like “1234” or ones based on birthdays may be easy to remember, but they’re so common that they’re also the first ones criminals try. If a criminal has cloned your card on a compromised ATM or has accessed your personal details, a weak PIN greatly increases the possibility that they can break into your account. Make sure to use unique, random combinations and to avoid reusing old PINs.
3. Ignoring ATM and POS Red Flags
Tampered ATMs and point of sale (POS) devices present a serious risk, particularly if your debit card still uses magnetic stripes. Card skimming devices can be discreetly attached to card slots, while hidden cameras record your PIN entries. If an ATM or POS device looks unusual or has extra attachments, do not use it. Be sure to report the incident to the closest bank branch immediately.
4. Storing Card Photos on Your Phone
If your phone is ever hacked, lost, or stolen, that photo of your card that you took for “reference” may give away all the details a hacker needs to do fraudulent transactions. A better move is to install and use your bank’s secure mobile app. EastWest’s EasyWay app, for example, offers secure logins through fingerprint or Face ID, preventing unauthorized access and eliminating the need to store card photos or PIN details on your phone.
5. Falling for Phishing Scams
Even as fraudsters become more sophisticated, many continue to depend on social engineering principles to compromise user accounts. They may pretend to be personnel of banks, delivery services, or e-commerce platforms over phone, email, and messaging apps to trick users into divulging key details or clicking malicious links. Remember: EastWest will never ask you to share card details via email, phone call, or text.
6. Overlooking Transaction Alerts
SMS or app notifications serve as your early warning system for unauthorized transactions. If you ignore them or don’t enable them at all, you may miss suspicious activities and allow fraud to continue unhindered.
Always activate notifications if your bank has them, and be sure to review them as they come up. If you bank with EastWest and you spot unusual activity, contact EastWest customer service immediately.
7. Connecting to Public Wi-Fi to Conduct Financial Transactions
Free Wi-Fi at cafés, airports, and malls may be convenient, but they also leave your devices and debit card details vulnerable to hackers. If you must conduct banking or shopping transactions when you’re out and about, use mobile data or a secure VPN to minimize your vulnerability.
8. Not Taking Advantage of Enhanced Security Features
Most banks offer their debit cardholders a wide selection of protection features to minimize risk. However, these only work if you turn them on.
EastWest customers can enable or disable transactions at ATMs, POS terminals, or online via the EasyWay app. Make sure to turn off transaction types you don’t normally use. You can always turn them back on if you need them. Don’t forget to read through EastWest’s security tips to further secure your accounts against unauthorized access.
Protect Your Finances with EastWest
Staying clear of these risky habits should help you enjoy the unbeatable convenience of cashless transactions without the stress of cyber threats. EastWest’s Visa debit cards also come with industry-standard safety features, giving you the confidence to use your card in over 61 million Visa-affiliated establishments and online merchants, in the Philippines and abroad. If you’re interested in acquiring an EastWest debit card, see if a Regular Savings or Passbook Savings account is right for you.
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