The most common form credit/ debit card frauds are perpetrated through ATMs and card swiping machines, and is referred to as 'skimming'.
The rise in the number of reported credit and debit card fraud cases, has made users wary of their own financial safety. Here are some tips on identifying and preventing card fraud.
How to identify that your card is being hacked into?
Apart from monitoring unidentified charges on your account, there are other a few other things that should raise your suspicion.
Swiping on different machines: In case you have been asked to swipe your card on more than one machine, question the procedure and speak to the store manager. Alternately, if you see the attendant swipe your card on another machine, question them again.
ATM fraud detection: Notice your card slot machine, by wiggling your card in it. If it appears different from usual, as in, there is more space in there than usual or it feels there might be another device attached, raise an alarm.
Other useful points to remember:
Check, the ATM you use for discrepancies: Signs of tampering could be right in front of you, such as exposed wires, broken seals, loose parts. Inform the bank of this and use another ATM.
How to pick an ATM: Pick an ATM that has cameras fitted inside or a company-hired guard. Try to use ATMs on more crowded and commercial streets, and avoid those is remote seclude areas as they are more prone to tampering.
Have the card swiped in front of you: Ensure that the store attendant swipes the card in front of you. Do not allow them to take it out of your sight or to another area.
Dispose of old cards: Cut the expired cards and ensure the magnetic strip has been scratched. Swipe new cards immediately.
Keep your PINs secret: It is needless to say that you must not share your ATM and other security PINs with anybody. Do not write it down anywhere, and ensure no one sees it when you are using the ATM or other machines.
The rise in the number of reported credit and debit card fraud cases, has made users wary of their own financial safety. Here are some tips on identifying and preventing card fraud.
How to identify that your card is being hacked into?
Apart from monitoring unidentified charges on your account, there are other a few other things that should raise your suspicion.
Swiping on different machines: In case you have been asked to swipe your card on more than one machine, question the procedure and speak to the store manager. Alternately, if you see the attendant swipe your card on another machine, question them again.
ATM fraud detection: Notice your card slot machine, by wiggling your card in it. If it appears different from usual, as in, there is more space in there than usual or it feels there might be another device attached, raise an alarm.
Other useful points to remember:
Check, the ATM you use for discrepancies: Signs of tampering could be right in front of you, such as exposed wires, broken seals, loose parts. Inform the bank of this and use another ATM.
How to pick an ATM: Pick an ATM that has cameras fitted inside or a company-hired guard. Try to use ATMs on more crowded and commercial streets, and avoid those is remote seclude areas as they are more prone to tampering.
Have the card swiped in front of you: Ensure that the store attendant swipes the card in front of you. Do not allow them to take it out of your sight or to another area.
Dispose of old cards: Cut the expired cards and ensure the magnetic strip has been scratched. Swipe new cards immediately.
Keep your PINs secret: It is needless to say that you must not share your ATM and other security PINs with anybody. Do not write it down anywhere, and ensure no one sees it when you are using the ATM or other machines.