If a debit card is lost or stolen, several important steps should be taken promptly to protect oneself from unauthorized transactions. First, the individual should immediately check recent account activity to identify any unauthorized charges. Next, it is advisable to report the loss or theft to the financial institution, which in this case is Police Federal Credit Union. They typically will provide a specific phone number or online method to report such incidents, which can often be found on their website.
Following the report, it is essential to request a replacement debit card. The financial institution may cancel the lost card to prevent further unauthorized use. Additionally, it is a good practice to change online banking passwords and enable two-factor authentication if available. The individual should monitor their account statements closely for any further unauthorized activity after taking these steps. Lastly, it may be helpful to consider placing a fraud alert with credit reporting agencies to add an extra layer of protection against identity theft.