Let’s face it; thieves are sneaky, and identity thieves are the sneakiest. They will do whatever they can to get access to your credit card details, whether it is hacking into the ATM security cameras so they can see your pin or using card skimming machines.

Recent scams

At the moment, one of the most prevalent tricks taking place is getting your information from point-of-sale (POS) machines. Scammers are paying waiters and waitresses to use their fake POS terminals that are specifically built to read the encoded information off your card’s magnetic strip and record you pin code.

If your waiter tells you that the machine isn’t working and they need to get a new one, make sure you inspect to see that it is legitimate and check with the manager of the store that the new machine is in fact one of their own. Reports have found that managers are generally unaware of what is going on, which means that they will likely sound alarm if the POS device is unfamiliar.

When you are in a store or restaurant and you are asked to put in your pin, it is also important to make sure the device says “enter pin” and not “enter amount”. What is happening is that tellers/waiters aren’t putting in the amount so when you put your pin in and give the machine back, they have access to your pin. They will then tell you the transaction didn’t go through and start from the beginning.

Protect yourself

We all have busy lifestyles and always seem to be in a rush, but when it comes to keeping your credit card details a secret, you need to slow down and be vigilant. Here is a list of ways to protect yourself against credit card fraud:

  • Do you think the ATM you are using is faulty? Cancel the transaction immediately, report the fault to your bank, and transact at another ATM.
  • Never let anyone help you at an ATM as they are probably trying to distract you in order to get your card or PIN. This applies to security guards and bank officials. Always go into the bank for assistance.
  • Choose familiar and well-lit ATMs where you are visible and safe to transact. Stand alone ATMs at petrol stations are usually the ones that are most targeted.
  • Familiarise yourself with what your ATM should look like. This way you will be able to identfy if something doesn’t look right.
  • If your card gets stuck in an ATM, do not leave the ATM before you have cancelled your card by calling your bank’s call centre using your own mobile phone.
  • Shield your pin from any potential prying eyes.
  • When making a payment on a POS machine, never let the card out of your sight. If possible, insert and remove the card from the point of sale device yourself.
  • Double check that the card you receive from the ATM after your transaction is your own
  • Don’t use the same pin code for all your cards
  • Keep your transaction slips and check them against your statement to spot any suspicious transactions.
  • Change your PIN as often as possible
  • Never force your card into the slot as it might have been tampered with.
  • Check the ATM screen. If it is blank or the layout is unfamiliar do not use it. Chances are it has been tampered with.
  • Never write your PIN on your card.
  • When choosing a pin, don’t go for the obvious choice of your birthday. There is a good chance that there will be something in your wallet that gives your birthdate away.