Top 8 tips to keep away card fraud

Stepping out of house without your plastic card, for however short a time, can be extremely inconvenient. Despite the chances of your cards being stolen or misused by a fraudster, you have to carry them all the time. Several people in UK have reported debt due to identity theft and credit card fraud. So, the only thing that can help keep away troubles are some safety tips. Here they go:


• Do not write your your passwords, login details and PINs on papers or mobiles.


• Do not let your cards or your card details out of your sight during a transaction.


• Tear off any paper or receipt that contain your personal financial information. (Don’t throw them intact.)


• Use your hand to prevent anyone looking when you type your PIN on a ATM machine or even in a shop.


• Keep your antivirus and antispam software up-to-date on your personal computer.


• Do not disclose PINs, login details or passwords in response to emails claiming to be from your bank.


• Once you have registered your card for online protection via Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode make sure that your password is kept secure.


• Shop at secure websites by ensuring that the security icon (locked padlock or unbroken key symbol) is visible at the bottom corner of your browser window.


Remember:

• New cards should be signed as soon as they arrive.
• Cut expired cards through the magnetic stripe and shred into pieces.
• Do not leave your cards unattended in a bag, briefcase or jacket pocket in a public place.

Are you a victim of card fraud?

• Inform your bank immediately.
• Report the loss to the police immediately. This can be time consuming but it will help you get your bank or building society to cover the losses from any misuse of your card.


Tips for traveling abroad with cards:

• Only take the cards that you will use – keep the rest at home.
• Make a note of your card company’s emergency contact numbers and keep the information in a different location from your wallet or purse, separate from your cards. You will find these on your last statement or in the telephone directory.
• Do not keep your cheque book along with your cards.
• Do not leave plastic cards and other valuables unattended in a hotel room or a lobby.
• Always keep your plastic cards with you while travelling to and from your holiday destination. Suitcases and bags are not safe places to store cards.
• In a crowded place, keep your bag either strapped across your body or held firmly.
• If you drive on holiday, keep handbags and wallets out of sight of prying thieves – especially in slow-moving traffic. Always remove plastic cards and other valuables from parked cars.
• Keep an eye on plastic cards when paying in shops and restaurants. Check your statement carefully when you return home.
• Do not share you PIN with anyone.