Where you may not want to use your debit card

WASHINGTON – Nothing is easier than swiping a debit card and zooming through a cashier line in just a few minutes. But with all this convenience comes a great risk.

Every time a card is used, important financial information is released into the world where it becomes vulnerable to fraud and theft.

In order to protect your identity, BankRate.com advises using indoor ATMs only. If you have to use an outdoor one, make sure it is in a well lit area. Thieves can easily read your card number by placing a machine over the card slot to steal your information.

The devices can be used at gas pumps as well, so perhaps paying with cash really is better at the pump.

WTOP’s Veronica Robinson contributed to this report. Follow

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