 TITLE: How to Prevent Debit Card Fraud CONTENT: The financial ramifications of debit card fraud can be harsher than credit card fraud. That's why credit cards are often considered a safer option when making purchases online or while abroad.\nTwo federal laws—the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA)—set rules for what consumer liability is in the event of credit card or debit card fraud.\nUnder the FCBA, credit card users are only responsible for up to $50 in unauthorized credit card transactions. Meanwhile, liability for debit card fraud depends on how soon you report it.\nUnder the EFTA, if you report a debit card lost or stolen _before_ someone uses the card, you're not responsible for any unauthorized transactions.\nIf you have not reported your debit card lost or stolen and you find unauthorized activity, here's what your maximum loss will be depending on when you report it:\n*   **Report loss within two days**: Up to $50\n*   **Report loss from two to 60 days**: Up to $500\n*   **Report loss after 60 days**: You could be responsible for all money taken\nAs you can see, it's crucial to keep tabs on your bank account so you can report fraudulent activity right away. If you're a victim of fraud, the FTC recommends calling your bank and also following up with a letter or email that details each fraudulent transaction. END