"DEBIT CARD DANGER":

From the new book, "Legal Consumer Tips and Secrets" by Attorney Charles Jerome Ware, former Special Counsel to the Chairman of the United States Federal Trade Commission (iUniverse Publishers, 2011).

1.  Banks prefer that consumers use debit cards over credit cards.  Even though banks make lots of money on both cards, they make even more money on debit cards.

2.  Using debit cards online is dangerous for the consumer.  It is extremely difficult to refund a purchase or restore your account when the card number is stolen.

3.  Using debit cards for rental or security deposits is a bad idea.  Your money is taken immediately out of your bank account, with little to no recourse.

4.  Using debit cards in restaurants and bars can be dangerous.  Too public.  Too many searching eyes.  Think about it, employees in a restaurant or bar can actually walk away (and even out of sight) with your card.  Use cash instead of a card.

5.  Do not use debit cards to make regular payments on bills.  Not all businesses are honest.  Businesses love to get your debit card number to snatch money out of your bank account on a regular (and even irregular) basis, and many will do it without your permission.

6.  Consistent with 2, above, it is dangerous for the consumer to use debit cards in public Wi-Fi spots.  Hackers and scammers can and will steal your personal data.

7.  For more information, read Chapter 13, "Dark Secrets of Credit Cards and Debit Cards", from the new book, "LEGAL CONSUMER TIPS AND SECRETS", by Attorney Charles Jerome Ware (iUniverse, 2011).