Join UsCredit and debit card fraud can happen if someone physically steals your card, or virtually hacks your account, and it can be quite difficult to resolve.
If you’re a victim of credit or debit card fraud, you may incur unauthorised charges that can result in costly bills, and you may risk damaging your credit score – you can find out more about credit score and the impact it can have by reading our Tips for Money Management post.
We have listed some top tips below to minimise the risk of Credit & Debit Card fraud.
- We NEVER call, email or text you asking for your one-time passcode or debit card information in order to confirm a recent transaction.
- We NEVER send messages requesting you to click on a link to review or block a fraudulent transaction on your account or advise that you have been locked out of your account.
- We NEVER ask you for the full 16 digits of your credit card.
- We NEVER email to ask you to enter your debit card number, login details, or any other personal information. If you are in doubt, always delete emails of this nature.
- Regularly check your online banking, or statements to monitor your funds and transactions on your accounts/cards.
- When visiting a website, especially when purchasing, always ensure it’s secure by checking the URL contains HTTPS or a lock symbol to the left of the URL. HTTPS is the digital term for a secure website – the S in https means secure.
- Never click on links provided in an email – log onto the website directly. Phishing emails generally come from what appear to be reputable companies and you may actually subscribe to their services. Often when you hover or click the ‘from email’ you will see that it’s not actually from that company.
- If you get a call and you feel it’s suspicious, always hang up. If you are concerned it may be a legitimate call, then call the company back from their listed phone number.
- Be careful with your card – always cover your PIN number when using it either at an ATM, in a shop, or paying for a service.
- Never ‘save’ your account details or card details anywhere that might be easily accessible to fraudsters – either in your wallet, on your phone, or online. If you must save your card details on your phone, make sure you have biometric security enabled, or at least a unique PIN code.
- Never use your card online when availing of free or open wi-fi networks.
- Avoid buying directly from adverts on social media sites.