Protect Your Card

When you get 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.

On the phone

• Never give your credit card number over the phone, unless you are dealing with a reputable company, or you have initiated the call yourself.
• 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.

Your pin

• When selecting a PIN, always avoid the obvious - your name, telephone number, or date of birth, or any combination.
• Never disclose your PIN to anyone. No one from a financial institution, the police, or a merchant should ask for your PIN. You are the only person who should know it.

• When your card has become stuck inside of the 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 straight forward 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

Using your card

• Protect your cards as if they were cash. Do not leave them unattended anywhere, such as in a car, bar, night club or on the beach.
• Ensure that you get your card back after every purchase.
• If at all possible, do not let your card out of your sight.
• Always check sales vouchers including purchase amount when you sign them - keep copies of sales vouchers and ATM receipts.
• 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.
• After completing an ATM or Debit transaction, remember to take your card and, if provided, your transaction record.
• Always check your billing statement, especially after a trip. Check the amounts of your purchases against your sales vouchers and receipts - specifically look for transactions which are not yours.

If your card is lost or stolen

• Report lost or stolen cards immediately.

• 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.