KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- For your Facebook Story of the Day, you wanted to know what to do if you suspect fraudulent activity on your credit or debit card.

Most debit and credit cards offer online access to your account which is a good way to monitor your activity for the first signs of unfamiliar transactions.

“One of the good things is that a lot of times debit cards, and even credit cards now have some online banking things. I check mine on a regular basis to see if there are any changes. I know lots of debit cards like the ones we have here have fraud monitoring systems so if I make a charge in Bangkok Thailand or I make a bunch of charges in New York City when my bank knows I’m in Kirksville, that they will automatically call me and tell me “hey, we think there might be some fraud involved,”” says Operations Officer Don Crosby of Alliant Bank.

If you do notice transactions that you did not make, contact your bank or credit card company for assistance.

“First thing you should do is make sure you contact either your bank or credit card company. What I always do is write the numbers on the back of them. There is usually an 800 number. Write that down some place at home and if I ever lose it or feel it’s compromised, I can go ahead and call that number and get those charges dropped right away,” says Crosby.

Crosby says the best way to prevent your information getting into the wrong hands is to always use reputable vendors while conducting business. When doing online purchasing, it is also important to make sure the browser you are using is secure.