Yellowknife (May 07/04) - Yellowknife residents should keep their debit card PIN a secret, even from their friends, to make sure they aren't victims of theft.

The majority of debit card fraud claims at the RBC Royal Bank in Yellowknife aren't actually fraud.

Often, claims of fraud involve the victim giving their PIN and card to a friend, said Judy Roberts, assistant manager at the RBC Royal Bank in Yellowknife.

"We always tell clients that giving someone your card or your PIN is like giving them the cash in your wallet," she said.

Last year the bank also had six cases where the customer's PIN or debit card were not willingly given out, Roberts said, and that the number has been rising over the past two years.

Customers who have money stolen from their account without giving out their PIN will likely be reimbursed, Roberts said. RBC Royal Bank does evaluations of fraud claims on a case by case basis.

"I'm concerned about it (debit card fraud). I take care of my card," said Joanie Hikomak, currently a Scotia Bank customer.

Yellowknifers who travel should also be aware of "skimming." When a card is skimmed, its magnetic strip is copied and used to create counterfeit cards. The PIN for the card is usually obtained through looking over the customer's shoulder.

Roberts is not aware of any cases of skimming in Yellowknife, but said that customers travelling into Alberta and B.C. have had it happen.

Protecting yourself from debit card fraud:

-Make sure your debit card remains in full view during a transaction.

-Do not share your PIN with anyone, including bank staff, law enforcement officials, family or friends.

-Shield the keypad when entering your pin.

-If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, cancel your transaction.

-Contact your financial institution as soon as you notice that your debit card is missing.