Card fraud is the unauthorised use of your debit or credit card. Most cases start with a lost or stolen card, especially one kept together with its PIN, or a PIN observed at an ATM or shop, followed by rapid withdrawals and purchases before the card is blocked.
The card is taken: pickpocketed, left behind, or stolen with a bag or wallet.
If the PIN mailer or a written PIN was kept with the card, cash withdrawals start immediately.
'Shoulder surfing' at ATMs captures PINs; some criminals follow up with a distraction theft.
Spending continues until the card is blocked, so every hour of delay costs money.
Your card is missing, or transactions appear that you didn't make.
Someone hovering close at the ATM, or 'helping' with your transaction.
Your card is briefly taken out of your sight at payment.
Never keep the PIN written down with the card; memorise it and destroy the mailer.
Shield the keypad with your hand at every ATM and till.
Save your bank's block-line number now; block a missing card within minutes, not days.
Turn on SMS alerts for every card transaction.