Experts advise not using debit cards this holiday season to avoid scammers

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WEAR) -- Experts everywhere are encouraging shoppers to be on the lookout for scammers well ahead of Thanksgiving.

One growing trend? Stop using your debit card.

"One of the first things to do is retire that debit card for any purchases. Only use at ATM," Monde Donaldson with the Better Business Bureau said. "We warn people to use credit cards. In case anything goes wrong with your purchase, you'll get your money back."

Donaldson says debit cards offer little protection from fraud.

In some cases, your entire account can get hacked without your knowledge and the bank may not offer a quick turnaround for a solution.

Many times this happens through online shopping, where a fake website poses as a legitimate business.

"Be wary of a business advertising online that you can't find a street address or website," Donaldson said. "If you just see a name or number, just go on from there because you don't want to shop for them."

With credit cards, fraud protection is stronger and you won't be charged a late fee while the card company solves the issue.

The BBB says too often consumers fall right into the hands of scammers.

"It's because people want to make their family member happy and they don't think and they don't do their homework," Donaldson said. "I don't use debit cards."

Guy Garrett with the University of West Florida's Center for Cybersecurity says only use your debit card at a reputable ATM.

Garrett says to consider using no physical card at all.

"For example, instead of carrying around a physical card, consider using Google Wallet or Apple Pay," he said. "Those actually have a token system where if somebody was trying to get that information, the information on the card is not available to them and those processes are considered a lot safer than carrying a physical card."

If you do use a physical card, try to avoid using anything but the chip system. The technology gives a new number every time it's used.

If someone manages to steal your card, they'll only get the card number, not your account information.

"If you don't have a chip card, you should -- and I can't imagine anyone now that doesn't," he said. "All the banks have a standard with all transactions. There's a chip in there now, that's been in the place for years."