Follow these steps
The banking industry works hard to prevent and detect credit card fraud using advanced technology and by assisting with police investigations. There are some simple steps that you can take to protect yourself as well:
- Report a lost or stolen card as soon as you notice it is gone. Your card issuer will cancel your card and issue you a new one.
- If you have a chip card, insert first. If the store terminal isn’t chip capable it will prompt you to swipe. This will protect you from having your card skimmed. And always remember to take your card when the transaction is done.
- Never lend your card or disclosing your PIN to anyone else
- Choose a PIN that could not be easily detected if your card is lost or stolen – don’t use your birth date or address
- Make it a habit to regularly check your transactions online or on your monthly statement. If there are any charges that you didn’t make, report them to your card issuer right away.
- Never give out your card number over the phone or Internet unless you know you are dealing with a reputable company.
- Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN): don’t share it with anyone or write it down, memorize it.
- Sometimes scammers will try to trick people into revealing information about their credit cards either over the phone or through e-mail. It’s important to know that your credit card company or bank would never call to ask for personal information like your credit card number, expiry number, PIN, or the security number on the back of your card.
- Protect your credit card like you protect your cash. Never leave them unattended in your car or at work.
- Always check your card when it is returned to you after a purchase. Make sure it is your card.
- When travelling, carry your cards with you or make sure they are in a secure location such as a hotel safe.
- Make a list of all your cards and their numbers and keep this in a secure place. This key information is helpful when reporting lost or stolen cards.
