Last year 1.6 million Australians were the victims of personal fraud, representing 8.5% of the population aged 15 and over, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. That’s up from 6.5% who reported being affected in 2010-11.
Here’s some useful tips to protect your cards and your identity from fraud, thanks to credit card comparison website creditcardfinder.com.au.
Monitor your credit card account.
One strategy criminals use is to test your vigilance by making a few small transactions to see if you notice.
So make sure you regularly monitor your accounts, check your statements and keep your receipts to ensure your transactions are accounted for.
Notify your provider
If you see any unusual or unauthorised transactions, notify your provider as soon as possible.
While card processing companies (Visa/MasterCard/American Express) all have policies in place to protect customers in the event of fraudulent transactions, it can be a somewhat exhaustive process to go through to get a refund, particularly if you take too long to notify your provider.
Check ATM machines
Before using an ATM machine, check for any extra mirrors or anything attached or sticking out from the card slot. Criminal can stick card skimmers onto machines.
Hide your PIN
Be wary of anyone standing near you with a smartphone as they could be recording your actions.
Make sure you cover your PIN or if you’re using a contactless payment system cover your card details from sight.
Don’t allow anyone to take your card from you where you can’t watch them and check the amount before scanning your card.
More tips on avoiding credit card fraud traps and scams can be found here.
