Debit Card Fraud

These days many people prefer card to cash, and while utilizing a debit card as your primary payment method is quick and convenient, there can be some associated risks as well. Use these tips to help prevent debit card fraud, and learn what to do in the event your card is compromised.

1. Understanding debit cards. The primary benefit of a debit card is that it allows you to make real-time payments that draw directly from your checking account both over-the-counter and online. The potential downside is if the card becomes lost or stolen criminals may be able to access those funds and cause serious problems.
2. Smart spending. In order to mitigate potential fraud risk, we encourage our members to take extra precautions, especially when shopping online. If it is your first time making a purchase from a new site, if the site or company is based outside of the U.S., or if the website has a large userbase, we recommend using a more secure payment method that is not connected to your checking account.
3. Reacting to fraud. While AFCU cards do come with 24/7 fraud support that will contact you if any charges get flagged as suspicious, we recommend our members check their account activity weekly. If you become aware of any fraudulent transactions, you must contact the AFCU office for a new card and to initiate a dispute.

Additional Tips:

Per Visa, a dispute must be initiated within 60 days of the original charge.

If you would like to dispute a cancelled subscription, incorrect amount billed, or product not received as advertised; it is required you first contact the merchant to attempt to resolve and document all interactions to include in your dispute. These transactions are not considered fraudulent, but a dispute can still be attempted.

If you are disputing a charge that occurred locally, you are required to file a police report before a dispute can be initiated.Click here to download a blank copy of our Debit Card Fraudulent Charge Dispute

Published September 1, 2025