Guidelines for Account Holders Using Credit/Debit/Smart Card

Guidelines for Account Holders Using Credit/Debit/Smart Cards.

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Note :  Please follow these guidelines for your  safety as you enjoy the convenience of technology.   However, these guidelines are general; therefore, specific precautions may be taken as warranted by the situation and technology.

      Choosing PIN:

1)         Do not use a number or numbers that can obviously be associated with you – for  instance  your  telephone,  birthday,  your  street  number,  driving  license number or popular number sequences (such as 786 or 2005 or 1111).

2)         Ideally choose a random combination of number – this is the hardest for a criminal to guess.   If this is difficult for you to remember then perhaps use a combination of double numbers e.g. 99 along with two others that have some meaning for you.

3)         Change PIN number at frequent intervals.

      Keeping your PIN a Secret:

1)   Do not allow anyone else to use your card, PIN or other security information.

2)   Always memorize your PIN and other security information.   If the PIN you are provided with is difficult to remember, change it to something more  memorable at a cash machine as soon as possible.

3)   Always take reasonable steps to keep your card safe and your PIN secret at all times.   Neither your bank nor any agency  is authorized to ask you to disclose your PIN.

4)   Never write down or record your PIN or other security information on card or at a place easily accessible by others.

      Precautions while Using ATMs (Automated Teller Machines )

Automated  Teller  Machines  (ATMs)  provide  a  fast  and  convenient  banking alternative for account holders.   You can bank when you want and where ever you want because locations are so convenient.   In order to mitigate risks of theft & frauds we are providing these ATM safety tips to help protect you and your account.

Remember, ATM theft can occur in two ways;

a)   Unauthorized withdrawals from an account or

b)   The physical theft of cash as a person completes a transaction.

The following advice for cardholders using cash machines will help minimize the chances of becoming a victim of such incidences.

      Choosing an ATM:

1)   Always observe your surroundings before conducting an ATM transaction.   If you see anyone or anything that appears to be suspicious, cancel your transaction, and   leave   the   area   at   once. If there is anything unusual   about the cash machine, or there are signs of tampering, do not use the machine and report it to the bank immediately.

2)   After dark, only use ATMs that are well-lighted.

3)   If possible, choose a machine in a busy area.   A heavily trafficked location means additional security.

4)   If you are followed after using an ATM, seek a place where people, activity and security can be found.

      Using an ATM:

1)   Use your body to block the view of your  transaction.   Especially as you enter your PIN and take your cash.  If necessary, ask a person to leave, even if that person is just curious.  If the ATM is in use, give the person using the machine the same privacy you expect.   Allow them to move away from the ATM before you approach the machine

2)   Do not accept help from strangers and never allow yourself to be distracted.

3)   A number of banks have established call  centers to provide customer support. Inform them in case you have any problem and obtain a complaint number.

4)   While paying the utility bills on ATM check the transactions details with the billed amount, customer ID on original bill.   Keep the transaction slip safe so that it can be referred to if the paid amount appears as arrears in next billing cycle.

5)   Focus your attention on ATM screen and take due care in the selection of buttons

(touch the parallel area in case the screen is sensor one) to ensure the execution of desired transaction/funds transfer.   Before pressing/touching the keyboard button enter the required information cautiously.   If you pressed/touched wrong button then transaction reversal is not possible.

      Leaving an ATM:

1)   After completing transaction, remember to take your card back.

2)   Once you have completed a transaction, discreetly put your money and card in your  pocket  before  leaving  the  cash  machine.    Do  not  count  cash  at  ATM machine.

3)   If the cash machine does not return your card, report its loss immediately to your bank.

4)   Don’t discard your receipts and mini-statements or balance inquiry slips which contain important information.   You get a receipt every time you make an ATM transaction.

5)   Tear up or preferably shred your cash machine receipt, mini-statement or balance enquiry when you dispose them of.

      Precautions while Using Point of Sales (POS):

  1)   Banks usually watch the cards transactions at point of sale (POS), to sort out if there are any unusual transactions, for the safety of customers and risk aversion. In such circumstances you may be contacted by your bank for authentication and confirmation  of  transactions.        You  are  required  to  confirm  your  genuine transactions but do not disclose your PIN, Password etc. Such vigilance at both ends will bring synergy in the security of e-banking.

2)   Always check your credit card when returned to you after the purchase.

        Safe Internet Transactions/Shopping Virtually and with your Cards:

1)   On the top of everything customers should make themselves familiar with the possible internet frauds.   They should  not be convinced by  the persuasive and attractive traps of hackers.

2)   Keep software updated (operating systems and browsers) because fraudsters and malicious hackers are very clever and  have found vulnerabilities in software’s

(windows and browsers).   Both institutions and customers should ensure that operating and browser softwares are kept upto date using legitimate upgrades and patches issued by the ligitimate software vendors.

3)   Make  sure  your  computer  has  up-to-date  anti-virus  software  and  a  firewall installed.   Firewalls can monitor both incoming and outgoing internet traffic and anti-virus will protect your computer against Trojan and worm attacks.

4)   Make sure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring.   The safety options are not  always activated by default when you install your softwares on your computer.

5)   Two of the most popular browsers are Microsoft  Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.   Check that you are using a recent version – you can usually download the latest version from these browsers’ websites.

6)   Only shop at secure websites – ensure that the security icon, the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol, is appearing in the bottom right of your browser window before sending your card details.

7)   The beginning of the retailer’s Internet address will change from ‘http’ to ‘https’

when a purchase is made using a secure connection.

8)   Use  sites  you  can  trust,  for  example  sites  you  know  or  that  have  been recommended to you or that carry the Trust logo.

9)   Click  on  the  security  icon  to  ensure  that  the  retailer  has  a  valid  encryption certificate – the address on this certificate should conform to the address on the address bar.   The certificate should ensure the identity  of the website and the current day’s date should be within the validity dates of the certificate.

10) Keep you personal information safe – always be wary of e-mails asking you to click on a link or confirm you details.     Reputable retailers, banks etc. would

never ask you to disclose or confirm sensitive personal or security information, including your PIN.  If in doubt, phone the organization first.

11) Avoid signing up for junk mail – this may result in pre-filled application forms being sent to an address long after you have moved out.

12) Print your order and keep copies of the retailer’s terms and conditions, returns policy, delivery conditions, postal address (not a post office box) and phone number (not a mobile number).   There may be additional charges such as local taxes and postage, particularly if you  purchasing from abroad.   When buying from overseas remember that it may be difficult to seek redress if problems arise, but having all the aforementioned information will help your card issuer take up your case if you subsequently have any difficulties.

13) Ensure you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a series of payments.

14) In case you pay your utility bills using virtual banking facility, ensure that user name, customer ID, amount billed are exactly the same as in the bill sent to you by your company.    The transaction receipt may be saved on the hard disk and may be printed as well.   It can be referred to in case of mismatch with the internet transaction history or the already paid bill may reappear in next billing cycle.

15) If you have any doubts about giving your  card details, find another method of payment.

16) If you regularly make transactions over the Internet consider opening a separate credit card account specifically for these transactions.

17) Keep your passwords secret.   Some online stores may require you to register with them via user name and password before buying.   Online passwords, including, the one, verified by your issuer, should be kept secret from outside parties the same way you protect your Card PIN.   Keep the login information safe and secret.

18) Never send payment information via email.  Information that travels over the Internet (such as email) is not fully protected from being read by outside parties. The most reputable merchant sites use encryption technologies that will protect your  private  data  from  being  accessed  by  others  as  you  conduct  an  online transaction.

19) Never click on Hyperlinks within e-mails.   If you are sure that the company is genuine then directly type in the URL in the internet browser address bar, or call the company on a contact number previously verified or known to be genuine.

20) Don’t let websites or merchants store your card information.   The exchange of encrypted  transactions  will  be  better  than  to  allow  the  storage  of  identity information on data bases.

      Checking Statements

1)   Ensure receiving of statements from your bank regularly.   In case you do not receive statements, contact your bank for a copy of bank statement.

2)   It is recommended that mini-statements  are regularly produced for reconciling transactions.

3)   Reconcile your transactions regularly with statement (Bank Statement or Mini- Statement).

      Fraudulent E-mails:

1)   Fraudulent email may bear the authentic trademark, logos graphics and URLs of the spoofed company.

2)   The HTML tags behind the link will reveal that the underlying URL usually does not link to a page within the authentic domain.

3)   The email requests confidential or personal information (such as PIN, four digit number, account number etc).

4)   It may request immediate action to keep accounts or cards activated so as to use it for some fraudulent purposes.

5)   The linked web site may not provide secure and authenticated communication

(i.e. it does not show the closed padlock at the bottom of the web browser).

      Only Open and Respond to E-mails that Pass Some Basic Tests, such as:

1)   Is the email from somebody you know?

2)   Have you received emails from this sender before?

3)   Were you expecting email with an attachment from this sender?

4)   Does email from this sender with the contents describe in the subject line and the name of the attachment makes sense?

5)   Does this email contain a virus?

      Protection of Cards and Personal Information:

1)   Shield your card properly and follow basic principles of card storage.   Cards are sensitive to mechanical, electromagnetic, sun impacts and can be pictures using cameras if left in plain view.

2)   Avoid to submit personal details for lucky draws even if these are from reputed organizations.  Normally the organizations do not accept responsibility in case of theft of personal information which may cause loss to the card holder.

3)   Your bank would only ask for specific characters within your password, not the whole password.   Ask them for their phone number, check it and call them back. Also, be wary of responding to e-mails requesting information.   If in doubt ask for proof of identity or undertake your own checks.  Never disclose your PIN to anyone.

4)   Sign on the back of your new card as soon as you get it.

5)   Carry fewer cards.  It will reduce the risk of stealing.

6)   In case of multiple cards make a list of all your cards and their numbers and keep it in a safe and secured place.

7)   With credit and debit cards easily at hand, try not to keep large amounts of cash at home.  Your financial institution is a lot safer.

8)   Cancel any unwanted or expired cards by contacting the card-issuer and cutting up the unwanted or expired card in at least two pieces.

9)   If you move house make sure you contact your bank and all other organizations to give them your change of address.

10) Generally  cardholders  are  not  liable  for  losses  resulting  from  circumstances beyond their control.   Such circumstances include, but are not limited to:

(a)  Technical problems, card issuer errors, and other system malfunction.

                  (b)  Unauthorized  use  of a card and PIN where the  issuer is responsible for preventing such use, for example after the card has been reported lost or stolen, the card is cancelled or expired or the cardholder has reported that the PIN may be known to someone other than the cardholder.

      Precautions When Going Abroad With Cards:

1)   Don’t give your card number over phone to cold callers.  Only make telephone transactions when you have made the call and are familiar with the company.   Be particularly cautious if you are cold-called by someone claiming to be from a bank or any authorized agency etc.

2)   Have the card in front of you.   You may be asked for information including the card number, expiry date, the four-digit card security code on the signature strip

(not your PIN code), issue number where applicable, and your name as it appears on your card.

3)   If you feel pressured by a telemarketing salesperson, be suspicious.  Never give out your account number unless you have decided to make a purchase.

4)   Do not volunteer any personal information when you use your credit/debit card, other than your ID document, which may be requested.

5)   If the retailer sends you written confirmation of the order, check the bill to ensure that it is correct.   Keep any such receipts and check them off against your next statement.

6)   If you find any transaction on your statement that you are certain you did not make, contact your bank immediately.     You may be asked to sign a disclaimer, confirming that you did not undertake the transaction.

      What to do if you are a Victim of Card Fraud in General:

If you discover that your card has been lost or stolen or that you have been the victim of a fraud, you should inform your bank immediately.   But if the card holder is shown to have acted fraudulently or without reasonable care, for example, by keeping their PIN written down with their card, they would have to meet all the losses.

      Some Warning signs of ID Theft and Fraud:

1)   Your regular bank of credit card statements fail to appear.

2)   You notice that some of your mail is missing.

       3)   Your credit card statement includes charges for items you have not purchased or ordered.