• Consider your surroundings and use your smartphone or mobile device discreetly.
• Do not use mobile wallet services to conduct financial transactions over an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
• Never leave your smartphone unattended in a public place. Don't leave it visible in an unattended car; lock it up in the glove compartment or trunk.
• The police may need your smartphone's unique identifying information if it is stolen or lost. Write down the make, model number, serial number, and unique device identification number (either the International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) or the Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) number). Some phones display the IMEI/MEID number when you dial *#06#. The IMEI/MEID can also be found on a label located beneath the phone's battery or on the box that came with your phone.
• Review the service agreement for the financial account used in your mobile wallet to find out what will happen and who to contact if your smartphone is stolen or lost, or if your mobile wallet application is hacked.
• Monitor the financial account used in your mobile wallet for any fraudulent charges.
• Choose a unique password for your mobile wallet. Should your smartphone be lost or stolen, this may help protect you from both unwanted charges and from theft and misuse of your personal data.
• Install and maintain security software. Apps are available to:  Locate your smartphone from any computer;  Lock your smartphone to restrict access; Wipe sensitive personal information and mobile wallet credentials from your smartphone; and Make your smartphone emit a loud sound ("scream") to help you or the police locate it.
• Adjust your "locked screen" display to show your contact information so that your smartphone may be returned to you if found.
• Be careful about what information you store. Social networking and other apps may pose a security risk and allow unwanted access to your personal information and mobile wallet data.

What to Do if Your Mobile Wallet Smartphone Is Stolen

• If you are not certain whether your smartphone or mobile device has been stolen or if you have simply misplaced it, attempt to locate the smartphone by calling it or by using the security software's GPS locator. Even if you may have only lost the smartphone, you should remotely lock it to be safe.
• If you have installed security software on your smartphone, use it to lock the device, wipe sensitive personal information, and/or activate the alarm.
• Immediately report the theft or loss to your wireless carrier. You will typically be responsible for any charges incurred prior to when you report the stolen or lost smartphone. If you provide your carrier with the IMEI or MEID number, your carrier may be able to disable your smartphone, your mobile wallet services, and block access to your personal information and sensitive mobile wallet data. Request written confirmation from your carrier that you reported the smartphone as missing and that the smartphone was disabled.
• If your smartphone or mobile device was stolen, also immediately report the theft to the police, including the make and model, serial and IMEI or MEID number. Some carriers require proof that the smartphone was stolen, and a police report can provide that documentation.
• If you are unable to lock your stolen or lost smartphone, change all of your passwords for mobile wallet services and banking accounts that you have accessed using your smartphone service.

There are several traps that target people selling gift cards.

• In one scam, fraudsters pay you for a card (or the code on the card), but then dispute or cancel the charge after they have already used the gift card.
• In another, they ask you to buy a bunch of gift cards in exchange for an item on an auction site—and then never actually send you the purchase.

To avoid becoming a victim, take several precautions when you use gift card websites.

• Check reviews of any website you use.
• Always review gift card balances before and after purchasing the card.
• If you are selling a gift card, don’t ever give out the card’s PIN until your payment transaction is complete.
• Be wary of auction sites selling gift cards at a discount or in bulk.
• If you are buying a gift card in a store, examine the protective scratch-off area on the back of the card for evidence of tampering.
• Beware of social media postings offering vouchers or gift cards: Fraudulent messages can sometimes appear to have been shared by a friend when they really come from a scam artist.

Gift Card Phone Scam

A fraudster claims to be with a federal or state agency and is calling about a fake debt.  The callers tries to pressure you for payment through a prepaid gift card and may threaten you with punishment if you do not comply.  Keep in mind that NO government agency or reputable business will EVER ask for payment with gift cards.

Protect yourself against gift card phone scams: 

• If you field a call from someone insisting he or she is a government official, but the individual demands payment through a gift card, hang up.
• Do not read or text the PIN number on the back of a gift card to anyone as scammers can use the number like they can use cash.
• Reputable businesses don’t rely on gift cards for payment.

Other kinds of scammers, some of them also imposters, who might demand payment by gift card include:

• callers pretending to be from a utility company, telling you to pay your bill by gift card or they’ll cut off your power or water.
• sellers on online auction sites who ask for gift cards to “buy” big items like cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, tractors and electronics.
• someone posing as a military service member to get your sympathy, saying he has to sell something quickly before deployment and needs you to pay by gift card.
• callers who say you’ve won a so-called prize, for a sweepstakes you probably never entered – but first, you have to use a gift card to pay fees or other charges.
• someone buying something from you, probably online, who sends a check for more than the purchase price – and asks you to give them the difference on a gift card. 

Protect yourself from gift card fraud:

• Don't buy gift cards displayed prominently within the store.  Ask sales clerks to sell you cards from the back room or behind the customer service desk.
• Examine cards and packaging for signs of tampering.  Don't buy a card where the coating covering the PIN number has been scratched away or the activation sticker isn't firmly affixed.
• Spend the gift card as soon as possible. Don't put the card in a drawer for months. The longer consumers take to spend their gift cards, the more time thieves have to do it for them.
• Beware of online exchanges and auction sites.  Online buy cards from reputable online exchanges or auction sites because of the possibility of buying stolen cards. 
• If you purchase gift cards to give as gifts, ensure they come from a reputable and trusted source.
• Consider gift cards the same as cash and secure them like you would your wallet.

Prepaid Cards

Types of crimes:

• Fraudsters can purchase prepaid cards with stolen credit card information. Most prepaid card providers have established law enforcement escalation numbers, that can be reached by calling the phone number listed on the back of the prepaid card and requesting the law enforcement or fraud/risk hotline.
• Another type of fraud occurs if you receive a credit, debit or prepaid card in the mail (other than a renewal of an existing card) which you did not request or apply for the specific card. This can indicate that you may be a victim of identity theft fraud.

Using Cards When Traveling:

• Let your credit card company and bank know about your trip. If a credit card company or your bank starts seeing purchases overseas, they may flag your card as fraud and freeze your account. This is great if your card had actually been stolen, but less great when you’re traveling and your means of paying for things gets cut off. Let them know the locations you are traveling to and the dates of this trip so they do not freeze your card. They should note this in your account so there are no issues.
• ATMs & point of sale machines.  Advances in technology have seen credit card skimming and shimming technology become more sophisticated and widespread. Any machine that looks tampered with or altered in any way should be treated as suspect, and you should seek an alternative ATM.
• Always carry back-up cash. There’s a good chance you’ll encounter places that only accept cash. Also, credit and debit cards aren’t as reliable as you would hope. An ATM can eat your card, credit card machines can be down, or you can run into other problems using your card.
• Ask if there’s a fee to charge. Some places charge a hefty fee for not paying with cash, so double check anywhere you go. Some credit cards charge an additional few percentage points of the transaction as a foreign currency transaction fee.
• Transfer extra funds to a savings account. If you’re bringing your debit card, only have the money in your account you will need for the trip and a little extra for emergencies. Transfer any excess to a savings account. This way if your card is stolen, the thieves can’t wipe out your entire account.

Cards

• Check if your card is accepted. Choose a U.S. credit card that’s widely accepted abroad. Generally, this means taking a Visa or MasterCard rather than Amex or Discover. Call your credit card company to find out how widely its accepted overseas and what fees you may be charged for purchases in foreign currencies.
• Know your credit limit. It’s not uncommon to accidentally to go over your credit limit – especially if you’re travelling for weeks at a time. At home, going over limit may be an inconvenience or incur a small fee, in different countries where credit cards are not as widely used, this may be seen in a harsher light. U.S. State Department websites vaguely suggest that Americans have been arrested for “innocently exceeding their credit limit while traveling abroad.” That’s probably an unusual situation, but one in which you certainly don’t want to find yourself.
• Write down the international customer service number for your card(s). The usual 800 number for customer service won’t work abroad so find out the international number where you can reach them if your card is stolen, lost, or you encounter any other issues. Store it in your phone, e-mail it to yourself, or write it on a piece of paper you’ll keep with important documents.
• Make copies of your cards. Make a copy of the fronts and backs of your credit and debit cards. This way if you’re cards are stolen, you can report it to the local police and the U.S. Embassy.
• Emergency Hotline & Funds.  Keep a separate note that contains the emergency hotline contact details of your card issuer.  Keep this information separate from your actual card and in another location that could be easily stolen. You might also want to get a backup card, which could be another credit card or a prepaid debit card loaded with a certain amount of funds and tied to your bank account.  Again, carry and store these cards separately from your main card at all times.
• Limit your cards. You don’t need to take your entire wallet and all of your credit cards. This will just make the situation worse if your bag gets lost or stolen. Choose the best credit card for your travels, and bring one or two.
• Be aware of what’s covered by your credit card. You may be pleased to find out your credit card may offer a form of travel insurance for anything you charge on the card. For example, if you charge a rental car with your card, you can be insured for any damages. Call your credit card company to see what’s covered abroad.
• Protect your cards. Carry your cards in a safe way, like a money belt that wraps around your body or a purse that wraps across your chest. Wallets and purses around a shoulder can be targets, and a backpack can be easily looked through while you’re not paying attention. When you’re putting in your PIN, cover it. Someone can be looking over your shoulder to attempt to steal it.
• Keep track of your card. Don’t let your card out of your sight. It’s not uncommon for merchants abroad to double swipe or take it in the back to copy information down. And of course, always make sure you get your card back before you leave.
• Track your purchases. Keep a receipt for your purchases. Check your statements regularly while you’re still traveling. If you have any charges that shouldn’t be there, call your credit card immediately because time is a factor.
• Act fast if your card is stolen. If your card is missing, contact your credit card company, the local police, and the U.S. Embassy. When you’re home, you can contact the IRS Identity Protection Unit to report any stolen credit and debit cards as a first step in mitigating potential harmful effects of identity theft.

Wif-Fi & Mobile

• Wi-Fi safety.  There are a few possible ways to avoid fake Wi-Fi connections. First, ask an employee which one is correct. In most cases, it will be an encrypted signal, especially at a hotel or airport.  Second, you simply encrypt all of the data going in and out, even on an unsecured connection. For this, you will want a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. While there are many services you can pay to use, there are free VPNs, such as Opera, a browser much like Chrome or Firefox.  Incognito mode or Private Browsing can also help, as will sticking to sites that use “https.”
• Smart phone.  If you are checking anything sensitive on your smart phone, it may be better to turn off wifi and just use data, especially if you are checking your bank statement to see if there are any errant charges.

People

• Helpful strangers.  Be on your guard, and don’t place too much trust in overly-helpful stranger that wants to help with money, banking, or ATMs. 
• The fake front desk call.  Fraudsters can impersonate the front desk at your hotel asking for your credit card information. Always hang up and call the front desk to verify.
• Beware of pickpockets. While pickpocketing has been on the decline in the U.S for the past fifty years or so, it’s still a major problem in Europe. Pickpockets often work in groups, are often children and are typically well-dressed and they may have an accomplice.  Be extra vigilant around tourist attractions, public transportation, restaurants, bars and hotel lobbies.  Be wary of anyone trying to get your attention for anything, from showing you a map or menu to dropping an item.  Your best bet is to keep your money and cards in a money belt that goes inside your pants. It’s hard not to notice someone trying to steal from there.  It is easy for a pickpocket to cut into or rifle through your backpack.

Debit cards have different protections and uses. Sometimes they're not the best choice. 

Here are 10 places and situations where it can pay to leave that debit card in your wallet:

1. Online.  Since the debit card links directly to a checking account, don't use a debit card online, you have potential vulnerability there.  If you have problems with a purchase or the card number gets hijacked, a debit card is "vulnerable because it happens to be linked to an account.  Also includes phone orders in this category.
   The Federal Reserve's Regulation E  (commonly dubbed Reg E), covers debit card transfers. It sets a consumer's liability for fraudulent purchases at $50, provided they notify the bank within two days of discovering that their card or card number has been stolen.
   
2. Big-Ticket Items.  With a big ticket item, a credit card is safer. A credit card offers dispute rights if something goes wrong with the merchandise or the purchase, she says. With a debit card, you have fewer protections.  In addition, some credit cards will also offer extended warranty's. And in some situations, such as buying electronics or renting a car, some credit cards also offer additional property insurance to cover the item.
   
3. Deposit Required.  When renting something and it requires a deposit.  This is where you want to use a credit card instead of a debit.  That way, the store has its security deposit, and you still have access to all of the money in your bank account. With any luck, you'll never actually have to part with a dollar.
   
4. Restaurants.  In restaurants, you have so many people around.  The danger: restaurants are one of the few places where you have to let cards leave your sight when you use them. But others think that avoiding such situations is not workable.  The "conventional advice of 'don't let the card out of your sight' -- is just not practical.  
   The other problem with using a debit card at restaurants: Some establishments will approve the card for more than your purchase amount because, presumably, you intend to leave a tip. So the amount of money frozen for the transaction could be quite a bit more than the amount of your tab. And it could be a few days before you get the cash back in your account.
   
5. You're a New Customer.  Online or in the real world, if you're a first-time customer in a store, skip the debit card the first couple of times you buy.  That way, you get a feel for how the business is run, how you're treated and the quality of the merchandise before you hand over a card that links to your checking account.
   
6. Buy Now, Take Delivery Later.  Buying now but taking delivery days or weeks from now? A credit card offers dispute rights that a debit card typically does not.  But be aware that some cards will limit the protection to a specific time period.. So settle any problems as soon as possible.
   
7. Recurring Payments.  We've all heard the urban legend about the gym that won't stop billing an ex-member's credit card. Now imagine the charges aren't going onto your card, but instead coming right out of your bank account.  Another reason not to use the debit card for recurring charges: your own memory and math skills. Forget to deduct that automatic bill payment from your checkbook one month, and you could either face fees or embarrassment (depending on whether you've opted to allow over-drafting or not). So if you don't keep a cash buffer in your account, to protect yourself from over-limit fees, you may want to think about using a credit card for recurring payments.
   
8. Future Travel.  Book your travel with a check card and they debit it immediately. So if you're buying travel that you won't use for six months or making a reservation for a few weeks from now, you'll be out the money immediately.  Another factor is that hotels aren't immune to hackers and data breaches, and several name-brand establishments have suffered the problem recently. Do don't want your debit card information to sit in a system for four months, waiting for you to arrive.
   
9. Gas Stations and Hotels.  This one depends on the individual business. Some gas stations and hotels will place holds to cover customers who may leave without settling the entire bill. That means that even though you only bought $10 in gas, you could have a temporary bank hold for $50 to $100.   The same can go for hotels, where there are sometimes holds or deposits in the hundreds to make sure you don't run up a long distance bill, empty the mini bar or trash the room. The practice is almost unnoticeable if you're using credit, but can be problematic if you're using a debit card and have just enough in the account to cover what you need.  At hotels, ask about deposits and holds before you present your card. At the pump, select the pin-number option, which should debit only the amount you've actually spent.
   
10. Checkouts or ATMs That Look 'Off'.  Criminals are getting better with skimmers and planting them in places you'd never suspect.  So take a good look at the machine or card reader the next time you use an ATM, vending machine,  metro card machine or the self-check lane at a retail store. Does the machine fit together well or does something look off, is the machine not processing your payment?. Make sure it doesn't look like it's been tampered with.