How to use your ATM card safely

Every bank today offers ATM cards, or debit cards, to customers opening savings and current accounts. The ATM cards can be used to withdraw cash or make payments online. But lately, they have also become a source for theft and fraud.

Here’s how you can use your ATM card safely:

* Divulge card details only on secure sites.

One of the last steps in the online payment process is when the site asks you the mode of payment – Internet banking/Debit or credit cards. If you’re shopping online, you might even be given the COD (Cash On Delivery) option. In the site’s URL, you will find the term ‘https’ – the ‘s’ signifies ‘Secure’ which means that the site has safety protocols in place already and you may enter the card details. If you are using your ATM card over an unsecured or unfamiliar site, it is best to use other options for making the payment.

* Cover the number pad when entering your PIN number at the ATM kiosk.

This is a simple precaution that you must take whenever you withdraw money at the ATM. At one point, the machine asks for the ATM card PIN. This is where most card thieves and online fraudsters get access to your card’s credentials – they may have installed a tiny hidden camera on the machine, or elsewhere in the ATM kiosk which gives them a view of the number pad, and hence, your PIN. Discourage all attempts to see your PIN, by covering the number pad with your wallet or your hand. Also, reset the PIN every six months for added security.

* Do not divulge your card number/PIN number/CVV to anyone.

There are frequent cases of online thefts from bank accounts by people who get access to your ATM card details. So the next time you receive a call, even from a person you know at your bank, asking you for your card details over the phone for any reason, simply report the matter to the bank. If you receive a call from an unknown person asking you to reveal your ATM card PIN or your account will get blocked, report the person and their phone number to the police.

* Do not use your ATM card over a public Wi-Fi connection.

Another mistake many people make is to use a public Wi-Fi connection to bank or shop. The unsecured connection is easy for hackers and phishers to break into and steal your ATM card details. Besides, a person sitting close by can note down your 16-digit card number and also the CVV on the other side of the card. Eliminate all risk of theft by limiting your use of a public Wi-Fi connection only for web surfing and gaming.

About This Author

Shaheen Shaikh http://www.adrclinic.co.uk Joined: April 29th, 2018