| Hundreds of people each year are victims of fraud, | | | | right hand corner of your browser) which will indicate |
| and many of these relate to their credit cards. There | | | | your card details are fully encrypted when sent. If a |
| are many ways for identity thieves to obtain your | | | | site does not have this, or the address doesn't start |
| credit card details but likewise, there are many ways | | | | with "https", don't use it. |
| to avoid them. | | | | Try not to let your credit cards out of your site, |
| Because cards can be used at cash machines, | | | | especially when abroad or paying in restaurants. Most |
| always be vigilant when using them. If you notice | | | | places will be legitimate, but it only takes one |
| anything unusual about the machine itself, don't use it, | | | | unscrupulous waiter to walk away with and copy your |
| but instead go into the bank and report it. If anyone | | | | card and you're a victim of identity theft. |
| suspicious is hanging around the machine, go | | | | If you move house, ensure you get all your mail |
| elsewhere. When entering your PIN number, shield the | | | | redirected as this is a great way for thieves to access |
| keypad with your body and other hand. | | | | your valuable information and use it for fraudulent |
| Writing your PIN down is one of the most foolish things | | | | purposes. Always destroy any personal documents by |
| to do, so memorise it and destroy the document it | | | | either shredding or ripping up into tiny pieces so anyone |
| came with. Then change it to something else as soon | | | | nosing through your rubbish bin can't get anything |
| as possible. It's also a good idea to change the PIN for | | | | useful. |
| your credit cards regularly anyway, as some thieves | | | | Lastly, never tell anyone your PIN number, especially if |
| will watch you for a number of weeks before seizing | | | | you receive an email or phone call asking you to do so. |
| an opportunity to get your card. | | | | A reputable bank would never ask for your PIN. If |
| When using credit cards online, look for the 'secure | | | | you're in doubt, phone the company in question and |
| server' icon (normally a small padlock in the bottom | | | | verify any queries with them. |