Here are some tips for card holders
Some of what we're going to describe here sounds paranoid - but hey,
better
safe than sorry!
One Frequently Asked Question relates to the use of a card on the
internet. Be careful - make sure
that the site you provide information
to is reputed, make sure that the information you provide is sent on a
secure
channel, so as to minimize the possibility of someone getting
your card information and ordering the Benz that you'd always
thought
about! We have written more about smart shopping on the net in our Wiz
Card section on the left bar.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately
Never allow anyone else to use your card
Ensure that your card is signed on the signature panel as soon as you
receive it
Never write down your PIN - memorize it
Ensure that you get your card back after every purchase
Always check sales vouchers/charge slips including purchase amount when
you sign them - keep copies of sales vouchers
and ATM receipts.
Never give your credit card number over the phone or on the Net, unless
you are dealing with a reputable company and
have initiated the call
yourself
Always check your billing statement, especially after a trip. Check the
amounts of your purchases with the charge slips
- specifically look for
transactions which are not yours.
Make a record of your credit card PIN numbers and telephone numbers for
reporting lost or stolen cards. Keep that list
in a safe place.
While travelling (abroad or within the country), ensure that you carry
the telephone number of the card company
Know who has access to your cards. If your credit card is borrowed by a
family member (spouse, child, parent), with
or without your knowledge,
you may be responsible for their purchase/cash withdrawal.
When Using an ATM
After completing an ATM or Debit transaction, remember to take your
card and, if provided, your transaction record
Never disclose your PIN to anyone. No one from card company, the
police, or a merchant should ask for your PIN. You
are the only person
who should know it
When traveling it is advisable that you only take one ATM card and
memorize the PIN. Protect your ATM card from damage
by keeping it in a
safe place - don't allow it to bend or be scratched.
Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN) - if you must write
down your PIN, do not keep it in your wallet,
purse, or on the card
itself.
In case you lose your card - be sure to know the emergency phone
numbers of your card issuer
Make sure that anyone waiting to use the ATM after you cannot see you
entering your PIN or transaction amount.
Cancel your transaction and leave immediately if you see anything
suspicious. Confirm, as soon as possible, with your
card company that
the transaction was cancelled.
If you are using an indoor ATM that requires your card to open the
door, avoid letting anyone come in with you that
you do not know.
Lock the car doors and roll up the other windows when you use a
drive-through ATM.
Do not leave your receipt behind - take it with you. Compare your ATM
receipts to your monthly statement. It is the
best way to guard against
fraud and it makes record-keeping easier for you.
If you lose your credit card or your ATM card, contact the company that
issued your card immediately.