Is Your ATM Card Secure?

Using an ATM/Debit card is indeed a very safe way to bank, shop or transfer cash. But you need to be careful with your card. Here’s how;

• Safeguard your card always. Never reveal your secret PIN (Personal Identification Number) to anyone. Also, memorize the PIN, never write it down on the card or anywhere else.

• Cards requiring the PIN at merchant establishments are much more secure than those that do not. This is because, even if you lose the card, nobody else can use it for purchases, since signatures alone are easy to forge, and merchants tend to be careless about verifying signatures.

• Cardholders tend to forget their cards at ATM’s. Never leave the ATM outlet without your card. Also, before leaving the ATM, make sure the screen is showing the Welcome Page. This is important because at times your transaction may be alive and the next customer at the ATM may continue to use your account after you’ve left.

• At merchant establishments, never let your card get out of your sight. In restaurants and petrol pumps especially, if asked for your PIN, go to the counter and key it yourself.

• In case you use your debit card on the internet, make sure it is a trusted site of an establishment you are familiar with, as once money transferred may never come back.

• If your card is stolen or lost, inform the card issuer immediately for deactivation or hot-listing of card.