ATM Card Safety Tips

ATM cards are convenient but only when used with safety and precaution in mind.  Here are some smart ways to help protect you and your money.

Rule number one. Keep your PIN a SECRET. Memorize your PIN, and never write it on your card or store it with your card. Do Not let anyone else enter your PIN for you. Don’t give your PIN over the telephone. No company or person should ever ask for your PIN, not even your bank or Sacco. If you use your debit card to make a purchase by phone, never disclose your PIN. (Did we mention, keep your PIN a secret?)

Watch your email. Your tech savvy friends know, email is probably the most common method of identity theft and electronic fraud. Don’t provide your debit or credit card number, PIN or other personal information in response to an unsolicited email or online request. Electronic security pros recommend different PINs for different accounts. And it’s a good idea to change your PINs often.

Don’t wait. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to your financial institution right away. By notifying your bank or sacco immediately, you reduce the chance that your card will be used improperly. Even better, you limit your potential liability – translation: the money you actually lose – for unauthorized transactions by scammers or hackers. call us through 07 28 505 820 intermediately after loosing your card.

Keep an eye on your money. Review account statements from your financial institution or Us when you get them. Report any problems or questions, including transactions you think may be unauthorized, right away. Again, quick action can limit misuse and save you money.

Protect your card. If the chip on  your card is damaged or demagnetized, the “swipe and buy” process cannot work. So don’t expose your card to magnetic objects, dirt and grit, keys or other objects that can nick the chip.

Here are some additional tips on the secure use of debit cards and ATM’s:

• Block the view of others when entering your PIN at an ATM or debit terminal
• Don’t let a cashier or anyone else enter your PIN, even if they are helping you with the transaction
• Make sure your ATM or debit transaction is complete, then review your receipt before leaving the terminal
• Be aware of your surroundings before using a public terminal, such as a walk-up ATM in a mall or at a petrol station
• It’s smart to take a friend with you when using a public ATM or debit terminal at night or in a remote location
• If anyone or anything seems suspicious when you are using a public terminal, leave the area immediately
• If you get cash during an ATM or debit terminal transaction, put it away before leaving the terminal
• If someone follows you after you have conducted a transaction at a public terminal, go to a crowded, well-lit area immediately and call the police.

Our ATM hotline number is: 07 28 505 820

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