Keep Your Bank Details Safe and Protect Against Fraud

Bank fraud is on the rise. In a day and age where we feel more and more comfortable using our bank cards in ATM machines, shops, over the phone and online; new environments provide a scope of opportunities for fraudsters to access your details. Shrewd card holders will ensure their details are protected at all times but sadly millions of people still fall foul to the cunning tricks employed by those looking to commit fraud.

There are plenty of ways in which card holders can avoid the unnecessary misfortune of having their card details stolen. Operating a sensible level of paranoia is one tactic when it comes to using your bank card but specific environments also require specific tactics. For example, when it comes to using your card online, never give out your details. Millions of spam emails and bogus websites are a pitfall for consumers who are drawn in by the promise of free goods or even unclaimed cash prizes. Even e-commerce should be performed with an air of suspicion and unless you are using a recognised and reputable website, PayPal is a safer option.

Although telephone banking has been around for some twenty years, it too is peppered with pitfalls that catch out unwitting consumers. Again, giving out your card details is best avoided unless you are using a trusted service. Even take-away food outlets that seem harmless enough can in fact harvest up credit card details that can be sold on or maxed within minutes. If possible, pay for your goods in person and if you are at all suspicious decline to pay and take your business elsewhere.

As fraudsters continue to push the boundaries and the ingenuity behind their ploys, even the humble ATM can become the centre of the most elaborate scams. Some fraudsters have been known to fit home-made devices into the card slot of the ATM, thus imprisoning the card inside for collection at a later date. While modern ATM software boasts quick and easy kiosk-based transactions, the best course of advice is to avoid machines that look as if they have been tampered with. If you card does become stuck or 'swallowed' by a machine, contact your bank immediately to report the card and have it cancelled.

Finally, even using your card in person can become a vulnerable operation. As of the 14th of February 2006, many countries implemented chip and pin devices in shops and stores in a bid to combat thieves forging signatures on stolen cards. Although chip and pin is decidedly safer than signing for goods, you should still do your utmost to protect your pin code. To do so, make sure you keep your pin in a safe place e.g do not store it in your mobile phone or keep it written down in an obvious place. People using chip and pin machines as well as ATMs should also be aware of people watching them input their pin with an eye to pickpocketing their card shortly afterwards.

Adopting a level of common sense as well as these precautionary measures will ensure your card details are kept safe and help prevent card fraud.