Your bank

• Keep your bank informed of your current contact details, so you can be contacted immediately in the event of a suspicious transaction.
• Notify your bank if you change your address - your statements contain sensitive information, so it's important they're sent to your correct address.
• If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the bank immediately.
• If you suspect your card has been used fraudulently, contact your bank immediately.

Your PIN

• Ask the bank for a PIN number on your credit card - PINs are most secure than signatures.
• Don't write down your PIN.
• If you must write your PIN down to remember it, don't keep it with your card.
• Never divulge your PIN to anyone, including family and friends.
• Try to avoid using obvious PIN numbers such as your date of birth or digits from your phone number.
• Change your PIN number at regular intervals.
• Watch for 'shoulder surfers' - people looking over your shoulder when you use an ATM.
• If your bank sends you your PIN number in a letter, make sure you destroy the letter (don't just put it in the bin).

Using your card at a shop

• Don't let anyone swipe your card twice without giving you a 'transaction cancelled' receipt.
• Use the microchip if your card and the merchant support it. It is more secure than the magnetic strip.
• Don't ever sign a blank transaction receipt.
• Watch the staff for any suspicious behaviour.
• Ensure your card remains in view.
• Make sure you retrieve your card before you leave the store.

Using your card online

• Consider using a safe Internet payment system, such as PayPal.
• Check the privacy policy of the website and ensure they don't store your credit card details.
• Make sure your browser supports SSL (supported browsers include Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, Chrome and Firefox).
• Don't send your credit card number in an e-mail - e-mails are broadcast over the Internet in plain text and can be intercepted by anyone.
• Avoid using public computers (e.g. Internet cafes, libraries etc) for Internet banking.
• Register for a free card protection service such as Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.
• Ensure your computer has current anti-virus and firewall protection.
• Only shop at secure websites - look for the yellow padlock icon in the bottom of the screen.
• Only use your credit card to shop at reputable sites.
• Investigate the company before shopping online. Do they have a physical address? Do they have contact phone numbers? Are they located in Australia?.

ATMs

• Be discreet when withdrawing cash from an ATM.
• Try to choose an ATM in a well-lit, exposed area.
• Remember tor retrieve your credit card when you’ve completed the transaction.
• Look for any suspicious devices attached to the card reader slot.

Identity theft

• Keep your receipts long enough to check them against your statements, then destroy them.
• Destroy expired or unwanted cards by cutting the card in half (make sure you cut through the magnetic strip).
• Read all correspondence from your bank before discarding it - it may contain important security information and updates.
• Beware of 'dumpster divers' - people who go through garbage looking for disposed credit card statements which may contain your credit card number. Always keep your statements or shred them.
• Beware of letterbox thieves, who steal mail looking for credit card statements. Consider getting a letterbox with a padlock.
• Don't use your mother's maiden name as a security code - it's too common and easy to obtain.
• If you live in share accommodation, don't leave your personal information (including credit card statements) unattended.

Scams

• Be suspicious of anyone who calls claiming to be from your bank and asking for your password or PIN number. Banks never do this.
• Read the Australian Government's ScamWatch - this website lists known fraudulent scams that you should be aware of.
• Don't respond to spam e-mails requesting your credit card number.
• Beware of ‘Phishing’ - you may receive an e-mail claiming to be from you bank and asking you to log on to your Internet banking. The link may direct you to a site which looks exactly like your normal Internet banking page, but is actually a mimic set up by fraudsters.
• Don’t give your credit card information over the phone unless you called them.

Miscellaneous

• Sign your card as soon as you receive it.
• Never give your card to anyone, including family and friends.
• Don't leave your card unattended - treat it as if it were cash.
• If you're planning to use your card overseas, inform your bank of your itinerary.
• Carry your card with you and regularly check that you still have it.
• When choosing a card, give consideration to the security features and programs (such as ANZ Falcon).

What next?

• Compare all credit cards
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