Here are some basic fraud prevention steps to help cardholders stay secure when using Visa payment cards:
On receiving your card:
- Sign your card on the signature panel as soon as you receive it
- Never write down your personal identification number (PIN) - memorize it.
- If at all possible, do not let your card out of your sight.
- Make a record of your credit card account numbers and telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. Keep that list in a safe place.
- When selecting a PIN, always avoid the obvious - your name, telephone number, or date of birth, or any combination of these.
- Never disclose your PIN to anyone. No one from the police, or a merchant should ask for your PIN. You are the only person who should know it.
Safe card use:
- Keep copies of your ATM receipts.
- When your card has become stuck inside an ATM machine, be suspicious of anyone offering their help, even if they appear to be a bank security officer. Criminals can obtain your PIN by several means (shoulder surfing or straightforward questioning), then retrieve your jammed card from the ATM and use it to withdraw funds.
- When traveling it is advisable that you only take one ATM card and memorize the PIN.
- Protect your cards as if they were cash. Do not leave them unattended anywhere, such as in a car, bar, nightclub or on the beach.
- Always check sales vouchers including the purchase amount when you sign them.
- Keep copies of sales vouchers and ATM receipts.
- Never give your credit card number over the phone, unless you are dealing with a reputable company, or you have initiated the call yourself.
- Always check your billing statement, especially after a trip. Check all transactions, even the small ones, because criminals try “testing out” stolen accounts by buying inexpensive items rather than large ones.
- Be careful when giving out your credit card number over the telephone. Ask for information in writing from the company making the offer.
- If you feel pressured by a telemarketing salesperson, be suspicious. Never give out your account number unless you’ve decided to make a purchase.
- Do not volunteer any personal information when you use your credit card, other than your ID document, which may be requested.
- 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.
If something goes wrong:
Report lost or stolen cards immediately. You can call Visa Global Customer Assistance from anywhere in the world via the toll-free numbers listed on the Visa website, or your card issuer.
