If a problem arises, remember that it is your money that is at stake.

• Under Government regulations, financial institutions may have up to 20 days to provide provisional credit to consumers for losses due to debit card theft or unauthorized use of the card.

• Some debit card issuers promise faster provisional credit in case of fraudulent use. For example, issuers of one type of check card will give customers provisional credit for lost funds within five business days of notification.

• You may find that your debit card or its number have been stolen only when you learn that checks you have written have bounced. Be aware that the issuer is not required to waive bounced check charges or cover any fees that may be imposed by the recipients of checks that unintentionally bounced because a debit card was stolen. Many banks do, however, refund these fees as a measure of good customer service.

Debit cards offer the consumer many conveniences. They are more readily accepted by merchants than checks, especially out of state or in other countries. You are not required to provide identification or give out personal information when using a debit card. This makes the transaction quicker and allows you to keep your information to yourself.

However, because the money spent using a debit card comes directly from your bank account, you may not be protected from fraudulent use of your card or card number.

For more information, to schedule an interview with NCL staff, or to contact NCL's Communications Department on this or any other release, call Communications Director Holly Anderson at (202) 835-3323.