The last thing you want to worry about is debit card fraud, but the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reports that with the holiday season come many opportunities for fraud.

If you’re a Bell Bank customer, you already have access to several free tools for fighting fraud. Here are 5 tools and tips to improve your debit card security.

1. CardValet

   Bell’s free CardValet mobile app alerts you whenever your card is used. You can use the app to turn off your card whenever you’re not using it (or if you think it’s been lost or stolen), so it can’t be used by anyone else. You can download the free app if you’re signed up for online and mobile banking.

2. Chip Technology

   Bell Bank debit cards include chip technology, which is more secure than traditional magnetic stripe cards. We are making every effort to protect your accounts against fraud. Chip cards are an essential piece of that puzzle. The embedded microchip provides dynamic transaction security features and other capabilities not possible with traditional magnetic stripe cards. A chip card is extremely difficult to counterfeit and provides the world’s most sophisticated fraud protection for debit and credit cards.

3. Online shopping with your Bell Bank Debit Mastercard^®

   Save time by checking out faster when you register your Bell Bank Debit Mastercard as your preferred payment option at major retail sites and subscription services online. You can shop online with confidence, knowing you’re protected with your Bell Bank Debit Mastercard. Our zero liability protection safeguards you against unauthorized purchases should your card be lost or stolen. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.mastercard.us/zero-liability.html for details. Mastercard ID theft protection™ provides you with expert assistance 24/7 should you become the victim of identity theft. Learn more at mastercard.com/peaceofmind.

4. Security Tips

   Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to keep your account information secure. Bell Bank will never ask you for your confidential personal or account information via email. If you receive an email that appears to be from Bell Bank and asks for that information, you may be encountering a “phishing” scam, in which someone is trying to trick you into revealing confidential information. Phishing scams often have a sense of urgency telling you that if you fail to update or confirm your personal or account information, access to your accounts will be suspended. They typically ask for personal information such as account numbers, passwords and sensitive information such as your birth date or mother’s maiden name.

   If you believe you have provided information about your Bell Bank accounts to a fraudulent email or website, contact us immediately by calling 701-298-1550 or toll-free 800-450-8949.

5. Identity Theft Recovery

   If you are a Bell Bank personal checking customer, and you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or identity theft, contact any Bell Bank location. You are automatically covered with our free identity theft recovery program! This program covers any identity theft, such as fraudulent use of your name, Social Security number, bank account, any credit/debit card, or other identifying information—even of non-Bell Bank accounts and credit cards—with up to $10,000 ID theft expense reimbursement insurance. Plus, a free personal recovery advocate assigned to you will manage your recovery plan and contact banks, credit card companies and agencies for you, working on your behalf for as long as it takes to recover your good name.

For more tips on how you can avoid identity theft and fraud, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website regarding Privacy & Identity.