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Immediate Action Credit cards can be invaluable, especially when abroad. But you should follow a few guidelines to help protect them from misuse. The most important thing is to inform your card provider by phone as soon as you lose your card. |
Everyday Security Tips
You need to use your card safely – especially if it's a credit card.
Security Tips when Abroad
An important tip when you’re traveling, whether on holiday or on business.
Safe Online Shopping
Follow this advice to minimize the risks of online shopping.
In an Emergency
What to do when your card is lost or stolen.
You need to use your card safely – especially if it's a credit card.
Security Tips when Abroad
An important tip when you’re traveling, whether on holiday or on business.
Safe Online Shopping
Follow this advice to minimize the risks of online shopping.
In an Emergency
What to do when your card is lost or stolen.
- Sign the back of your card as soon as your receive it (in the signature box provided).
- Never leave your card lying around unattended (for example in a hotel room).
- Handle your card as you would cash.
- When you give your card to someone else for a payment – at a restaurant table or cash register – make sure that you follow the transaction.
- Always check the payment amount on your receipt.
- Never sign blank receipts.
- Keep all receipts and check your monthly bill.
- Don’t write down your PIN or carry it with you.
- Choose random numbers for your PIN. Avoid dates of birth, your car license plate or other obvious combinations.
Security Tips when Abroad
If when abroad you’re presented with a receipt to sign showing an exchange rate next to the total: Don’t sign it without checking the exchange rate. The rate given is often much worse than the rate used by your credit card company. You can insist on paying in local currency.
- 3-D secure technology is the standard for secure online payments using a credit card. Look for «Verified by Visa» or «MasterCard SecureCode» logos on websites.
- If these aren’t used: only enter your card information if you are using a 128-bit SSL connection (SSL: Secure Sockets Layer).
- If you aren’t using a 128-bit SSL connection, only give your card information by fax or over the phone. If you have any doubts, don't make the purchase.
- Don’t give out your card information during incoming phone calls until you’re certain who you’re speaking to.
- Avoid making online payments using public computers.
- Protect your computer using up-to-date virus protection software or a firewall.
- If your card is lost or stolen at home or abroad, call your card provider or an emergency 24-hour number immediately.
Emergency Numbers
- If you find an incorrect amount or unfamiliar entry on your bill, call or write to your credit card company immediately. In either case the card will be blocked. You won’t have to pay anything.
- If your card is stolen, inform the police. Ask them for a copy of the police report.
- Always carry emergency numbers with you.
