Scammers are staking out Americans' front doors in a wily new debit card scheme. How the scam works and what to do

Core Insights - Financial fraud, particularly involving debit cards and checks, is a growing concern for consumers, with check fraud increasing by 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year [2][5]. Group 1: Debit Card Fraud - Debit cards are more frequently targeted by fraudsters than credit cards, leading to increased vulnerability for consumers [5]. - New scams are emerging, where victims are misled into destroying their debit cards while leaving the chip intact, which scammers then retrieve to access funds [3][4]. - Consumers face limited protections with debit cards; losses can escalate significantly if fraud is reported late, with potential losses reaching the entire stolen amount if reported after 60 days [6][7]. Group 2: Check Fraud - Check fraud is also on the rise, with consumers advised to report fraud within specific timeframes to minimize losses [8]. - Recommendations for preventing check fraud include using permanent markers for writing checks and opting for electronic payments to maintain a record of transactions [15]. Group 3: Fraud Prevention Measures - Consumers are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect against debit card and check fraud, such as monitoring bank accounts regularly and avoiding unsolicited communications that appear to be from banks [10][13]. - Installing security measures like mailbox locks and security cameras can help deter mail theft, which is a common method for obtaining checks and debit cards [11][12]. - Utilizing services like Aura for online scam tracking and fraud alerts can enhance consumer protection against online fraud, which has seen a significant increase in losses [16][17].