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Don't Be Fooled
How does this work?
A common example is when you’re paying for something in a shop or petrol station and your card is swiped and the assistant places it on the counter while waiting for authorisation. The bored-looking assistant starts playing around with his/her mobile phone.
Little do you know that what they’re actually doing is taking a photo of the card using the phone's in-built camera.
All the assistant has to do now is flip the card over when checking the signature and make a mental note of the 3 digit verification number on the back.
Other common scams
Skimming - occurs where genuine data on a card's magnetic strip is electronically copied onto another card, without the legitimate account holder's knowledge. It occurs mainly in ATMs, shops, bars, restaurants and petrol stations. Skimmed information could be sold onto organised crime groups.
Postal Interceptions - Postal intercept fraud occurs when a card is stolen from the postal service before it reaches its owners destination. If you are expecting a new card or cheque book through the post and haven't received it please contact your issuing bank. If you are concerned about non-receipt of post, contact your local Post Office.
Be cautious!
‘Chip & Pin’ in the UK is a safeguard against this but not every shop uses the system, particularly when abroad. Therefore make sure you can see your card at all times and ensure that you keep tabs on your account regularly.
A common example is when you’re paying for something in a shop or petrol station and your card is swiped and the assistant places it on the counter while waiting for authorisation. The bored-looking assistant starts playing around with his/her mobile phone.
Little do you know that what they’re actually doing is taking a photo of the card using the phone's in-built camera.
All the assistant has to do now is flip the card over when checking the signature and make a mental note of the 3 digit verification number on the back.
Other common scams
Skimming - occurs where genuine data on a card's magnetic strip is electronically copied onto another card, without the legitimate account holder's knowledge. It occurs mainly in ATMs, shops, bars, restaurants and petrol stations. Skimmed information could be sold onto organised crime groups.
Postal Interceptions - Postal intercept fraud occurs when a card is stolen from the postal service before it reaches its owners destination. If you are expecting a new card or cheque book through the post and haven't received it please contact your issuing bank. If you are concerned about non-receipt of post, contact your local Post Office.
Be cautious!
‘Chip & Pin’ in the UK is a safeguard against this but not every shop uses the system, particularly when abroad. Therefore make sure you can see your card at all times and ensure that you keep tabs on your account regularly.
