Tips to avoid the atm and credit card theft and fraud

The plastic money (credit and debit cards) has become a prominent medium for making payments. ATM and Credit cards are indispensable part of urban life, with its usage convenience. Even as the technology leaps forward, the thiefs are also keeping the same pace with technology. Now a days there are lot of incidents are happening across the globe, related to credit or atm card fraud and thefts. In this needy hour, I thought of sharing you all
some tips that would help you, to a better extend, to make yourself safe from card theft or fraud.

Avoid theft of credit card

• Always keep credit in a safe place, and keep it close to your body while traveling.
• Never keep all your credit cards together in your wallet/purse.
• Always use a swiping machine which belongs to your credit card service provider, to avoid cloning of your credit card.
  
• Always remember to take the credit card back once you swipe at the point of sale or any restaurant.
• Never give your credit card to strangers for inspection.

Avoid theft of ATM cards: All the points above with respect to credit card also applicable to avoid theft of ATM cards.

• Never seek the help of strangers when you face some problems with your ATM card, or while taking money from ATM.
• Inspect the surroundings of the ATM machine for any wireless camera that faces the machine keyboard (Number pad).
• Ensure that there no extra wrapper or adapter (card cloner) to the slot for inserting your card.
• Always use the ATM that belongs to your Bank, so as you won't be confused with the interface.

Avoid card scam and fraud

• Never reveal your card or bank details to any incoming calls to your phone, claiming to be from your bank.
• Never respond to the emails which is asking for bank and personal details; like your date of birth or mother's maiden name etc.
• Avoid providing your date of birth to anyone in the social network, hide it from every one or at the most only to your friends.
• Never disclose your PIN to others.
• Always make online payments through trusted websites, look for "https" and secure trusted certificate sign in the portal before you enter your card details.
• Periodically change your PIN.
• Never use your vehicle registration number as your PIN.
• If you find that your card has been stolen and cloned, immediately report the customer service section your bank and follow their advice.

These are some tips compiled from various sources, to help you. Please share and follow this tips, only if you find this useful.

You can also refer some safety tips for signing your cheque (check). And checkout some basic computer security tips too.