Twenty tips to help safeguard against Card Fraud

 

1)   Treat your card like cash.

 

2)   Never leave your card lying around. Your card details can be copied and used by unscrupulous individuals.

 

3)   Keep your card number and expiry date confidential.

 

4)   Sign your new card in permanent ink as soon as you receive it and ensure that old cards are destroyed when they expire.

 

5)   Never allow anyone else to use your card. It is yours and yours alone.

 

6)   Never give your personal identification number (PIN) to anyone. Never keep your PIN with your card. As best as possible commit to memory.

 

7)   When withdrawing from an ATM, be alert. Beware of strange devices, which may have been placed in the machine to capture your card information. Beware of “shoulder surfers” trying to see your PIN. Contact your bank immediately if your card is captured. Do not accept assistance from individuals waiting to use the machine.

 

8)   Always ensure that your card transaction is processed in your presence every time you make a purchase. If at a restaurant ask for a wireless terminal or accompany the waiter/waitress to process your payment. When the cashier returns your card, check to ensure that it is yours.

 

9)  If you are not including a tip or if you are tipping with cash, draw a line through this section on your receipt. Blank spaces serve as an invitation for unscrupulous individuals to add additional amounts.

 

10)  Retain your receipts to check them against your monthly statement. Always review your monthly statements ensuring that all transactions are correct.

 

11)  Inform your bankers immediately if unfamiliar transactions are noted on your statement.

 

12)  Keep your statements in a safe place - they contain sensitive information.

 

13)   Shred all statements before disposing of them, even those for closed accounts.

 

14)   Notify your bank of any change of address, so new statements are not sent to the old mailing address.

 

15)    Inform the bank immediately if your card is stolen or lost. Always keep your bank’s contact number at hand.

 

16)   Inform your bank when you are travelling overseas.

 

17)   Make sure you ask for references before you extend your card details to an unfamiliar company you intend to engage in business.

 

18)   Do not give any card information to individuals soliciting sales over the phone.

 

19)    When purchasing online, do not create accounts or save your card details on the website.

 

20)    Never give your card information via text messages/emails/telephone calls in response to claims of prizes or Lotto winnings.