Card Fraud

The most common type of card fraud occurs through card skimming. This is when a criminal copies the information encoded on the magnetic strip of your card and transfers it onto a replica card. Criminals use a number of methods to acquire and skim your card:

• A skimming device. This is attached to the card reader of an ATM, self-service terminal or point-of-sale (POS) device. The fraudster places a false number pad over the device to record your PIN and then makes withdrawals from your account;

• A distraction. Two or more fraudsters may team up to steal your information. Typically, they'll tamper with an ATM so it retains your card and doesn't start a normal transaction session. One of the fraudsters then pretends to be a random passer-by offering you assistance. While you're distracted, they skim your card on a handheld device, watch you enter your PIN, and let you continue with your transaction. They now have all your details;

• Handing over your card. A cashier or waiter may offer to 'clean' your card on his or her clothing, claiming the card machine isn't registering your card. The waiter may also move the card below the counter and then skim the card formation, while a fellow fraudster stands behind you and watches you enter your PIN; and

• Using your card online or over the phone. Card fraud can also occur when you give out your card details online, particularly if the website you're on isn't secure, or on the phone. Remember, even giving out 'simple' information like your name, card number, card expiry date and CCV number (which appears on the back of the card) can result in fraud being committed on your card.
   

• Protect your PIN by never disclosing it, never writing it down or never saving it on your phone or laptop, as it can be compromised if anyone finds it. You should also cover the keypad with your hand whenever you enter your PIN on any device;

• If you think an ATM or SST has retained your card, or that an onlooker may have seen your PIN, call Nedbank Card (Lost and Stolen) on Toll free: 0800 000 115 or the Nedbank Contact Centre on +264 81 9592222 and cancel your card immediately. Never accept assistance from anyone, even legitimate-looking security;

• Ensure that you still have your original card after each withdrawal or POS transaction;

• Avoid ATMs that are dimly lit or surrounded by loiterers. And never allow your children to draw money using your card, since they're the most vulnerable to perpetrators;

• Sign the back of your card when you receive it from the bank. If it is stolen, the criminals will have to try and forge your signature;

• When you shop online, use your card on secure sites only and never quote your card number and expiry date in an email. When shopping telephonically, be absolutely certain that the merchant is legitimate;

• Upgrade all your cards to EMV chip-enabled cards;

• Subscribe to Nedbank's SMS notification service to monitor your account activity;

• Shred your bank statements and any other financial information you receive physically;

• Never let your card out of your sight, whether at a restaurant, a garage, or a shop; and

• Don't believe hoaxes such as that entering your PIN backwards at the ATM notifies the police that you need assistance. These are usually tricks fraudsters use to obtain your PIN;

Remember: No transactions can be made with your Visa Electron or Maestro debit card without your PIN. You should never compromise your PIN; it is your responsibility to protect your PIN and to ensure that no one sees it whenever you make a transaction.