Preventing card fraud
Follow this advice to help protect yourself from becoming a victim of card fraud:
Keep your card and details safe at all times. This may seem obvious – but it means, for instance, keeping your card in sight at all times when you are making a purchase.
Take care what you do with receipts from card transactions that have your details on them. Shred them if possible. At least tear them up so they are illegible.
If anyone asks you for your PIN, loud warning bells should ring! Even if it appears to be an official enquiry, refuse to let on. Your bank or card company does not have to ask YOU for your PIN and are the first to advise that you do not disclose this information to anyone, even someone claiming to be from the police.
Telephone card purchases
Only use your card to buy over the phone if you are initiating the transaction, and you know the company or person whom you are dealing with. Never give your card details to someone who has approached YOU over the phone.
Using your card to purchase online
Shop on websites only where the security symbol (a locked padlock or unbroken key) is displayed before you input your card details. This symbol appears bottom right of your screen. You can check the retailer’s encryption certificate by clicking on this icon. The address should be identical to the address in the bar at the top of the page, and the day’s date should be within the certificate's period of validity.
If you receive an email asking you to click on a link or confirm your password, PIN or other details of personal information – DON’T! If you really think it might be a genuine request, contact the organization concerned and ask for verification that you can trust.
Using a cash machine
Get into the habit of checking around you as you approach a cash machine. Note if there is anyone hanging around or watching you. If you feel uncomfortable, find a different machine.
If you notice anything unusual about the appearance or operation of the cash machine, don’t use it, and contact the bank.
If someone comes too close as you use the machine, be wary. It might just be lack of consideration, in which case you can use your body to shield the keypad and your actions. But put your safety first and consider cancelling the transaction.
Never allow yourself to be distracted during a transaction, even by an apparently well-meaning stranger telling you that you have dropped something. Keep focused on your transaction if you can carry it out securely, or cancel it.
Put your money and card away before you leave the cash machine. Be aware of anyone following you. You have a wallet full of cash and you could be trailed secretly and robbed later, when your guard is down.
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