It’s FNB and Visa Card Security Week and FNB is going out of its way to alert consumers to the latest card-fraud trends.
According to Pieter du Toit, CEO of FNB Smart, card fraud has doubled over the past year. “Even we were surprised,” Du Toit says. “We expected an increase — but a 100% increase is frightening.”
This specifically relates to cheque and debit card fraud as credit card fraud has actually decreased by around 40%
Du Toit says the most common fraud is card skimming, whether at ATMs or points of sale.
At ATMs, fraudsters tamper with the ATM so customers can’t insert their cards. The fraudster then “assists” the customer by “cleaning” the card and skimming it, unjamming the ATM in the process and “shoulder-surfing” to get the PIN.
Another trick is to wait until a customer has completed a transaction, then calling the customer back and saying the transaction isn’t complete. The customer then has to put his card into the ATM once again, and enter his pin. Once again, the fraudster “shoulder-surfs” the PIN.
Finally, fraudsters can use a high-tech skimming device on a Saswitch machine. The FNB ATM is jammed, so customers are directed to the Saswitch, where the card is skimmed and the PIN is viewed by either camera or Bluetooth device.
“Never let anyone take your card at an ATM,” Du Toit cautions. “You might want to mark your card with nail polish or something similar so if someone takes your card and swaps it, you can make sure the card you get back is, in fact, your own.”
Point-of-sale skimming is another trick. Don’t let your card out of your sight — if a patron or cashier swipes your card, make sure they do it in front of you. Some have a skimming device which they use when your back is turned.
“If you simply must use your card, rather withdraw cash at a till point — it’s a safer environment as well as a cheaper transaction,” says Du Toit. “You can withdraw up to R500 at a till point using your Smart Account debit card.”
Quick tips:
- Always sign the back of your card, in the panel provided. So many customers forget or don’t bother to do this, but it’s essential. Your signature is your security.
- Your bank won’t ever ask you for your PIN. Ignore online prompts to divulge info, including your PIN.
- Change your PIN regularly — this will provide extra security.
- FNB has a 24-hour fraud hotline — call 0800 110 132.
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