MasterCard Card Security

Card Security

Unfortunately, concepts such as identity theft and fraud are not foreign to us. We are aware of this threat and of your concerns. For this reason, fraud prevention is our top priority. Smartcard activity is regularly monitored to identify any unusual activity. If we discover anything suspicious, we will contact you to examine card activity, and present you with several tips that will help you prevent fraud.

 

Basic actions

  • You are asked to confirm the integrity and validity of the card the PIN before opening it, in order to ensure confidentiality of the code.
  • We recommend, immediately upon receiving the card in the branch, to memorize the PIN . Once you have memorized the code, destroy it.
  • Do not keep the PIN with the card. From this moment, the card is active and can be used in transactions.
  • Sign the back of the card immediately upon receipt.
  • Regularly check your transactions and immediately report any deviation.
  • If you printed the itemization of transactions from the internet, keep it and shred once you have completed using it.
  • Never disclose your personal details to anyone who contacts you claiming to be a representative of a recognized company.
  • Never disclose your details in response to an email you received from an unfamiliar address.
  • Be cautious of any person requesting common identifying details, such as your mother’s maiden name, date of birth or information about your place of work.
  • Never disclose your PIN number, even to a person claiming to be a representative of the company that issued the card.
  • Never allow anything to distract you when you are using an ATM or performing a transaction with the card. Someone may be discovering your PIN of the card.

 

ATM Fraud

  • Never write your PIN or keep the code with the card. Remain alert when using the card and make sure:

    • That the machine was not sabotaged.
    • That no one can see you entering the PIN number.
    • The card and cash are concealed and secure before you leave the machine.
    • Keep every printed document and destroy it at a later date
  • If your card is ‘swallowed’, please contact the call center for assistance.

 

Forgery and Fraud

 

 Easy come easy go. Always keep your card within sight when making a purchase. Its details may be scanned.

“Scan” occurs when information on the magnetic strip is electronically copied to another card, which allows forgers to waste / steal money on your card. This largely occurs at gas stations, restaurants, bars and ATMs. Despite your card being secured by a magnetic chip and a copy of the card cannot work without a chip.

 

Don’t get caught in the web

 

 

When you use the card online, it is critical that the browser is secure. Any recognized browser will alert you on whether or not the site you are viewing is secured.

These browsers scramble your personal information before it is sent so that no one else can read it. Make sure that your computer’s anti-virus and Firewall are updated. This may also help protect your computer.

 

Safe online purchases

 

 

Know with whom you are doing business. Only use recognized companies and enter the internet address yourself. Do not disclose your details in response to an email with which you are unfamiliar and if the website gives you the option to use a secured channel, use it.

As you save receipts in case you want to return or replace any product, you must keep evidence of all transactions. Print and save a copy of the order form and its confirmation.

 

 Phishing

 

“Phishing” is an attempt by thieves attempting to ‘phish’ your card, your account or your personal details. “Phishing” attempts appear as email that looks as if it were sent from your bank or the issuer of your card that ostensibly is about your security. You are instructed to click on the link that leads you to a false site that requests that you enter your details in order to enter the account. The site is designed to store all details that you entered.

If we contact you by email, we would never ask you to enter a link to enter your personal details and password. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the correspondences about your smartcard, please contact the telephone call service for further clarification.

Remember, if you are asked to enter your PIN in a website along with your credit card details, it is apparently a fraud and you must immediately close your browser.

 

Pharming

 

 “Pharming” is an action using methods similar to ‘phishing’ to entice people to enter a website but use a malicious code to direct people from legitimate websites to fake websites. It copies the logo of real companies such as major banks, online marketers and credit card companies and convince you to enter your personal details.

Remember, if you are asked to enter the PIN to withdraw cash on a website along with the card details, this is apparently a fraud. Immediately close the browser and contact the call center service.

 

Lost / stolen cards

 

If your smartcard was stolen or lost, immediately inform the call center service. The immediate report will protect the money that was loaded onto the card. Our dedicated staff is available 24/7 to help you continue to enjoy your trip.

 

To the MasterCard home page