Black woman at a grocery store checkout completes a card payment at a touchscreen terminal as a cashier assists; other customers blurred in the background.

Card Safety Matters: Smart Tips to Help Protect Your Money

2 min read

As digital payments continue to evolve, so do the tactics used by fraudsters to access personal and financial information. Card scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it important for you to adopt safe payment habits and remain alert to potential threats.

Although financial institutions continue to invest in advanced security measures, protecting your money is a shared responsibility. Simple precautions, such as safeguarding your card details, monitoring your account regularly and recognising common scam tactics, can go a long way in reducing the risk of fraud.

To help you stay one step ahead, here’s a reminder of some practical tips for using your VISA debit and credit cards safely and protecting yourself from fraud.

Prevent fraud by being S.M.A.R.T with your card:

SECURE your card.

Always keep your card with you or in a secure location

MONITOR your transactions.

Check your statements/ accounts regularly to identify unusual or improper activity
Use online banking
Closely monitor transaction alerts sent via SMS text message or email by your bank

Be ALERT.

Pay attention to your surroundings when using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and point of sale (POS) terminals (when swiping or tapping your card)
Check the terminals for tampering and added cameras
Never allow your card to leave your sight while making POS purchases

REMEMBER your PIN.

Create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that is easy to remember but hard to guess
Do not keep your PIN written down or stored with the card
When using ATMs/POS, use your free hand as a shield when inputting your PIN.

TRUST no one.

Do not share your card and PIN with a third party, including family members, close friends, co-workers etc.
Use ATMs/POS alone where possible and avoid asking a third-party for assistance