Seven tips for responsible use of debit cards

1. If your card is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to your financial institution.

2. If you suspect your card is being fraudulently used, report it immediately to your financial institution.

3. Hold on to your receipts from your debit card transactions. A thief may get your name and debit card number from a receipt and order goods by mail or over the telephone. Your card does not have to be missing in order for it to be misused.

4. If you have a PIN number, memorize it. Do not keep your PIN number with your card. Also, don't choose a PIN number that a smart thief could figure out, such as your phone number or birthday.

5. Never give your PIN number to anyone. Keep your PIN private.

6. Always know how much money you have available in your account. Don't forget that your debit card may allow you to access money that you have set aside to cover a check which has not cleared your bank yet.
7. Keep your receipts in one place -- for easy retrieval and better oversight of your bank account.