Introduction
Credit cards are synonymous with practicality. With them, you can pay for expenses without having to walk with cash or cheque and, in online shops, many sometimes it is possible to receive the product more quickly by confirming the payment in the act.
Criminals are also interested in this the practicality of all — since you pay the bills. Fraud involving credit card are more frequent what we think and, when the problem is found, it is not always it is easy to solve it.
That is why prevention is important. In the next lines you will find simple tips, but it gives a help and so much time to protect your credit or debit card.
On the Internet
1. Use your card in stores only or online services with good reputation
If you want to buy a product or service at an unknown web site, search for your reputation first before closing the business. For this, you can look for reviews in search engines, or search on specific sites for this the end, as the Claim Here.
It is also important to check if, at the time of purchase, the site causes that a padlock symbol is displayed in the browser. If this does not occur, it is recommended do not finish the process, because the padlock indicates that the site is encrypting the sending of your information, adding a layer of security important to the process.
Avoid shops that offer very advantageous prices, feature messages with spelling errors, provide images low quality or are very similar to trading sites electronic known. These tend to be characteristics of fraudulent websites.
When in doubt, buy it in another place or, if unavoidable, consider the possibility of using the bank as a way payment.
2. Do not store your card details on your account in the store or online service
Some establishments virtual allow you to save the the data of your card for future purchases. Not to be that if it is a service that requires periodic payment, like Netflix or Spotify, do not use this option — it is safer to enter the card data credit on each new transaction.
3. Use services that mediate online purchases, as PayPal
You can also use gateways for payment, this is, services that mediate the use of the card credit, so that transactions can be made with this without that the recipient of the payment know your number.
The most popular service for this order is PayPal, which can be used especially on international purchases, although several companies the Brazilian already accept it.
Before you join any service brokerage, find out about rates, conditions of use and, of course, reputation.
4. Enter the data of your credit card only when making purchases or payments
Be wary of websites that require your card number credit right at the register, even if you don’t go to acquire a product or service. Not provide card data by e-mail, social networks, telephone and other means, especially if you do not have started the contact.
Use extra care if the data of the card are requirement for sweepstakes, prizes, coupons and the like.
5. Make purchases with the card only on your computer or mobile device
Whenever possible, make purchases with the card credit from your personal computer, smartphone or tablet. The maintenance of public computers (in universities, libraries, Internet cafes, etc.) is out of your control, therefore, are more likely to be software malicious there that capture these data.
Even if you are using their own equipment, it is also recommended not to carry out transactions from public Wi-Fi networks.
6. Protect your computer or mobile device
There is no point in using only your computer or device mobile for purchases if the equipment is not protected:
- Be careful with links in fake emails, or social networks;
- Install only programs that were well evaluated;
- Download only from known sites;
- Unless you have enough knowledge technical, use antivirus and keep it up to date;
- Keep operating systems and applications up to date;
- Use strong passwords in online services to prevent that your e-mail, for example, be accessed by third parties.
7. Monitor the usage of your card with SMS, e-mail or application
Did you know that, in most companies, you can receive an SMS every time a purchase with your card credit is made? This is a great way to identify fraud: when you receive a message that refers to a payment not recognized, you will know that your card probably is being misused by a third party and you may communicate with the bank or the service provider before spending more money to be made.
Contact your bank or service provider to inform the respect. Most of the time, this service is free of charge and, in some cases, it may be also offered via e-mail or mobile app.
8. Attention with links of confirmation
It is normal — and acceptable — that shops, or even operators to contact the consumer right after a purchase. This it is a way to confirm some of the data to prevent fraud.
Take care, however, if the connection request extraneous information: security code (CVV) and expiration date, for example, are data that should not be ordered by phone.
9. Credit card “virtual” may be a good idea
Some banks offer credit cards virtual specific for shopping on the Internet. These usually are linked to a credit card conventional, but have different numbering. Thus, you do not need to inform the number of your card “of the truth” in the transaction.
Other advantages: you can establish limits more low for the virtual card, to determine the amount maximum purchases and to lock it more easily.
Check with your bank or the administrator on the the provision of this service.
10. Do not post the photo of your card on social networks
It may seem a careful silly, perhaps obvious, but in social networks as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is relatively easy to find users who, excited by the arrival of a new credit card, disseminate the photo of this in these services.
If you want to do it, at least take care of capping the card number, or delete it in the image.
Establishments physical (“real world”)
1. In the atm (ATM)
When using the card at the atm (be it debit or credit card) to withdraw money, carry out payments, checking balances, etc., note the move around you. Leave the site without performing the operation if you notice anything suspicious.
Before you insert the card, tateie the equipment. If you identify components, wires, or any unusual feature, use the other terminal, and if that is the case, alert the institution responsible. The machine may have been violated.
If your card is stuck or you have difficulties to operate the box, not accept the help of strangers and search for the bank.
Prefer to perform operations at the atm in locations and times with great movement of people to inhibit approaches suspicious.
2. In stores, restaurants, and other establishments
When making payments in shops, restaurants and so on, keep the credit card ALWAYS in your field of vision. Do not allow the employee who is you serving take the card to places that you you do not have access.
In addition, only type the password, if the amount to be paid is displayed and, of course, is correct.
Before you go though, make sure the card is the same his — an employee’s malicious you can trade it in for a card similar.
3. Only Use credit card with chip
In Brazil, credit cards without chip are each more rare, but still exist. If it is your case, ask for the bank or the administrator to exchange it for a card with chip. This component requires typing password transactions and complicates cloning.
4. A lot of attention when you enter the password of the card
When you type your password, make sure that there are not people for near watching the act. If necessary, ask “license” just to make it clear that you are on the lookout for this.
Memorize your password, do not write down on paper to save it in wallet or purse.
5. When traveling abroad, notify your bank about the countries of destination
Even if your card is international, report to the bank the the countries that you will visit on your travel and for how long. Fortunately, most of the operators prevents the use in other countries by default, forcing the user to contact the institution.
6. Approaches of salespeople, interviewers and the like
Care with interviews, research, or proposals for product testing on the streets: if your card is prompted, he must deny the to show it, even though he is all the time on their hands.
The same orientation holds for approaches via telephone: please do not enter personal data, especially of the card, when the connection suggests awards, promotions and similar.
In the case of requests for donations, find out about the suitability of the institution. You prefer to do contributions with deposit in current account.
7. In the case of loss, theft or robbery
Card lost, stolen or stolen? Contact with the bank or carrier as soon as possible to block it. For both,it is important to keep the number of the institution on your mobile phone or calendar. In the case of international travel, check if the carrier offers a phone number, specific to this situation.
You should also contact the issuer of your card if you suspect fraud.
Always make a note of protocol number, time and date of the connection.
8. Do not lend your credit card
Not even to relatives or close friends. Even if the person to be trustworthy, you don’t know if she takes all care of security.
In the case of children or spouses, for example, prefer to provide the they additional cards. These are linked to your card, but have different data. Cards additional also allow the holder to establish boundaries smaller and keep track of expenses on your own invoice.
9. Do not leave the card in suitcases, hotel rooms, left-luggage office, etc.
Always leave your credit card in a safe place. In travel, take it with you when possible. Avoid leave it in the suitcases, hotel rooms, and any other place that can be accessed by other people.
10. Analyze carefully your invoice
Read with calm each item of your invoice. If you find expenses not recognized (it is a good idea to save receipts shopping to be sure), contact the carrier immediately. The tip of keep up the postings via SMS or application is also valid here.
My card was swiped. What do I do?
Found a posting on your invoice that you do not recognize it? Received an SMS of a transaction that you not performed? Your card has been stolen or stolen? Do not have doubts: please advise the administrator of the card as soon as possible.
The company probably will cancel your card and issue another with a new numbering. Write down all the information referring to contact, especially protocols. It is also important to save receipts and other documents involved.
The values that are not recognized should be cancelled or, in the case of the invoice has already been paid, reversed (including taxes, interest, and related fees). If the administrator refuses to to do so, you should look for a body defense of the consumer, such as Procon, or even judicial means.
The administrator can claim that the responsibility for the loss is the client, but if you do, you’ll have to prove it.
Both in the case of loss of the card and the expenses not recognized, you may want to register a Bulletin Occurrence (BO). This document may help in the possible investigations by the authorities, and when this is the case, in the judicial proceedings against the carrier.
