DUNCANVILLE, Texas -- Kathy Nations noticed an odd charge against her personal bank account. A group called Digital Age Cyprus fraudulently billed her bank debit card for $25, and she knew nothing about the charge.

Nations said the card was used only at her bank's ATM or in person to make a purchase at a retail outlet. Neither she nor her husband use the account number to make online or telephone purchases.

The Federal Trade Commissioned has reported similar schemes across the United States. Security experts advise consumers to pay attention to charges that appear on their bank statements.

"Consumers need to be aware of their duty as consumers to try to prevent this type of thing from happening," David Griggs of the FTC said. "If people are diligent about checking their records it makes it more difficult for these thieves to thrive in their business."

Fraud-prevention experts said consumers should regularly check their bank statements for fraudulent charges.

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