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Have you ever been contacted by your bank to notify you of suspicious activity on your credit card? It’s a horrible feeling when you realise that someone has been using your card. You may feel relieved that your bank had acted promptly with your best interest in mind but then you realise what this means. The credit card is cancelled and your mind races with the many different direct debits you have set up and companies that have your details recorded for convenience.

So what can you do? You can reduce the chance of your credit card from being scanned by using the tips listed below:

1. Purchase a wallet, purse or card holders that have RFID protection.
2. Be aware of other people around you standing close when you use your card.
3. Avoid letting anyone watch you enter your PIN or password during a transaction. A good practice to get into is to cover the keypad when you put in your PIN – at an ATM or at the shops.
4. Never give your card number to anyone over the phone unless you have made the call and it is a reputable company.
5. Don’t let your card out of your sight.
6. Save your receipts and check your account regularly for discrepancies.
7. Don’t let anyone else use your card, or hold it for you.
8. Don’t leave your card out in the open, such as at a bar or café.
9. Cut up and dispose of your card when it expires.
10. Memorise your PINs and passwords and destroy any letters advising you of new ones.
11. Don’t tell anyone your PINs and password, even friends or family.
12. Don’t write down your PINs and password or keep them on your mobile or computer.
13. Take advantage of ATM’s attached to or inside of a bank. These are constantly monitored and checked so are less likely to have skimmers attached.

Even with your best intentions, you may still have your details stolen so be prepared.  One of the hardest things to do is remember which direct debits you have set up and who has your card on file. I recommend that you make a list of these details with the contact phone numbers. In the long run, it  could save you time and frustration.

When you do receive your new credit card, select a different pin from the previous one and change all your passwords.

If you need additional support, contact the IDCARE website. IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity & cyber support service and can be found at http://www.idcare.org/ IDCARE has a wealth of information so check it out.