A twist on this scheme is for crooks to place an “Out Of Order” sign on ATM and place a fake machine next to it. The fake machine has a card reader to collect account and PIN information but won’t actually dispense cash. The information collected is then transferred to a new card and used to steal cash from your account.

Another scheme involves inserting a thin clear plastic sleeve into ATM’s card reader. This prevents machine from being able to read your card and it will continually ask you to enter your PIN. The thief who installed sleeve is stationed nearby watching while PIN is input over and over. The victim finally gives up, thinking that machine has kept their card and leaves. The thief then retrieves card, enters memorized PIN, and takes out cash from victim’s account.

If you find anything suspicious about an ATM, report it to bank and to police immediately. Using a little caution with your ATM and credit cards will go a long way toward keeping you safe from ATM fraud.

If you’ve counted on those few extra days from time you mail your check and time check clears your bank, beware! Many credit card issuers have switched from traditional method of processing checks to a new electronic process. This new system shaves off a day or more from traditional method it normally takes for your check to clear by electronically debiting your account.

If you’re considering paying your credit card bills online, check to see if any additional fees will be charged for using this type of payment. I recently received an e-mail message from one of my credit card companies announcing how easy it would be to make my payments online. Included in fine print at bottom of e-mail was this note - “A fee of up to $14.95 may be charged for this service and will be deducted from your checking account”. Hmmm, spend 37 cents on postage and mail my payment five days before due date or pay now and get charged an additional $14.95 fee? I’ll bet you can guess which choice I made.

Taking time to carefully read and understand your credit card agreement now will help you save money by avoiding unnecessary fees or climbing interest rates later down road.