| Scammers
steal people's identity and their money. They might not do anything with
the stolen information right away, but transactions frequently happen
IMMEDIATELY. Don't take any chances!
Criminals
may try to get your personal financial details by claiming to be from
your financial institution or credit card company.
In
addition, the easy access provided by the Internet brings some entirely
new and unwelcome risks from cyber cheats.
The
biggest risk is that personal data can be stolen, corrupted, or misused
by an Internet intruder stealing or tampering with your information; all
the time hiding their unauthorized activity.
Identity
Theft comes in many forms.
-
An ATM swallows your card for no apparent reason. This is a well-known
scam where a plastic slip is placed inside the ATM to hold onto your
card. A 'passer-by' sees that you are experiencing problems and tells
you to re-enter your PIN so they can see your PIN when you re-enter
it. When you leave the ATM, they remove the plastic slip with your card
inside from the ATM.
-
This is an extremely common "Phishing" scam.
You get an email or letter that asks you to click on a website and confirm
your bank account details, PIN number or credit card number, mother's
maiden name, etc.,
-
An email says that your account will be "frozen", or "de-activated"
if you do not follow email instructions.
-
You get a letter from an organization you have never dealt with
before. The letter says that they have money for you from the sale of
shares or a lottery win. It asks you for your bank account details so
they can lodge the money. Sometimes you also get a phone call after
you receive the letter.
-
Your card is taken by a store clerk out of sight to a card terminal
elsewhere where your personal details are copied.
- Criminals
may try to get your personal financial details by claiming to be from
your bank, credit union or credit card company. They may phone or email
you saying that there has been a 'security breach' on your account and
ask you to confirm your bank account details, your personal identification
number (PIN) or your Internet or phone-banking registration numbers.
IF
you are ever contacted by someone claiming to be from your bank, credit
union or credit card company, REMEMBER....THEY initiated the contact.
NOT you. If they ask YOU to disclose or confirm sensitive, personal information
of ANY kind, chances are, they are scammers. Don't give ANY information
under any circumstances. Most every financial institution or credit card
company never contacts their customers in this manner. They already have
your information in their records and don't need to confirm anything over
the phone or on line with you. If you want to check if a call or email
is legitimate, phone your bank at the number you normally use, or the
number on your statement. DO NOT call a number or or use an e-mail address
provided within an email or by a caller.
Tips
to help protect yourself from scams
- NEVER
enter your personal information on a website that is sent to you as
a link in an email. That website could be created by scammers to get
your information.
- Regularly
check the transactions on your bank and credit card statements. If you
notice anything that you are unsure about, report it to your bank, credit
union or credit card company immediately.
- Protect
your personal financial details by memorizing them rather than writing
them down, storing them in your cell phone or sharing them with anyone.
- Tear
up, shred or burn any receipts or statements that show your full card
number or PIN.
- When you pay with
your credit or debit card, don't let your card out of your sight, particularly
when you are abroad.
- Credit
cards can be copied in just a few seconds. If the card terminal is not
nearby, ask to go with the staff member to the terminal.
- If
your card is lost or stolen, report it to your card issuer immediately.
- Do
not delay in reporting the loss, as you could be held liable for any
fraudulent transactions that occur before you make the report.
- Never
reply to an email or telephone number that asks you to confirm your
personal information, PIN number or credit card details.
-
Report the email to your bank or credit card company.
- Watch
for camera cell phones. Be cautious when you are around strangers who
have them, as they are capable of taking pictures or video and have
been used to capture personal information.
- Do
not write down your PIN or give it to anyone. many banks allow you to
change your PIN so you can easily remember it.
- ALWAYS
cover the keypad with your hand while you enter your PIN.
- If
your card has been swallowed by an ATM for no apparent reason, contact
the ATM owner immediately or as soon as possible. If your card is swallowed
because you have entered the wrong PIN three times, then you should
contact your bank.
- Regularly
check the transactions on your bank and credit card statements.
- Sign
your cards as soon as you receive them and cut up your old cards when
they expire.
- Destroy,
by tearing up or burning, any receipts or statements that show your
full card number. Most retailers' receipts just show the last four digits
of your card, but you should check before you throw them away.
- When
you pay for goods or services with your credit card, don't let your
card out of your sight, particularly when you are abroad.
- Credit
cards can be copied in just a few seconds. So if the card terminal is
not nearby, ask to go with the staff member to the terminal to complete
the transaction.
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