Card Security

How to Safeguard Your Cards

Practical money skills are an important part of managing life. By handling your personal finances wisely, you can enjoy peace of mind, financial security, buying power, and freedom that will enhance the rest of your life-Practical Money Skills for Life.

Keep Your Credit and Debit Card Numbers Safe and Secure

Because of the valuable purchasing power it provides, your card number may be an appealing target for criminals. However, with a few simple security steps, you can keep your card out of harm’s way and protect yourself against any inconveniences with unauthorized transactions. This pamphlet explains how to protect your credit and debit card accounts, how to combat identity theft, and what to do if your card is ever lost or stolen.

Taking the Right Steps to Card Security

Guard Your Card as if It Were the Key to Your Home

• If you're expecting a new or replacement card, watch the mail closely.
• Sign the back of your card as soon as you receive it.
• Always keep a log of all of your card numbers in a safe, easy-to-check place.
• Never lend your card out or leave it behind as a "security deposit."

Guard Your Account Information with the Same Care

Credit and debit cards offer the convenience of making mail, phone, and Internet purchases without actually showing the card. All you need is your account number, card expiration date, and sometimes the three-digit code printed on the back of your card immediately following the card account number. This code is known as a CW2 code, a new security feature that prevents unauthorized transactions. Despite ongoing security measures, your information in the wrong hands could result in charges you weren't expecting. Here are some simple precautions:

• Take all card receipts and carbons with you, especially from places like ATMs, supermarkets, and self-service gas pumps.
• Never give your account number to anyone who calls you on the phone or contacts you over the Internet, unless you've initiated the correspondence and/or are making a purchase.
• Always destroy old receipts and statements before you throw them out and never use public trash bins.
• Never use your credit card as identification for a check purchase.
• Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) private, don't write it down, and avoid obvious choices, such as your birth date or address.

Beware of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a fast growing crime in which thieves steal personal information-such as payment card, Social Security, and driver's license numbers-and use it to assume an individual's identity. They can then open banking accounts, make purchases, obtain cash, and even get a job or apartment. Dumpster diving, mail theft, and Internet data theft are among the many ways information is stolen. If you ever suspect identity theft:

1. Call the Fraud Hotlines of all three national credit bureaus immediately. Report the problem, request a "fraud alert," and ask for a free copy of your credit report.

2. Call the fraud departments of your creditors, such as your card Issuers, other lenders, banks, phone companies, and utility companies. Follow up each call with a letter describing the problem in writing.

3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Call toll-free 1-877-ID-THEFT or visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Review Your Monthly Statements Carefully

Mistakes can happen. So always save your card receipts, and compare the sales amounts to the charges on your monthly statements. If you find an error - such as an incorrect or unauthorized charge - protect yourself legally by contacting your card Issuer immediately and in writing.

Report Lost and Stolen Cards Immediately

Be prepared for the possibility of card loss or theft by keeping a list of your account numbers in one safe place along with the corresponding customer service phone numbers. If a card problem does occur:

1. Notify your card Issuer immediately. If you can't find a Visa® card Issuer's number, call Visa toll-free at 1-800-336-3386 in the U.S. or collect at 410-581-9994 from outside the U.S.

2. If the problem is card theft, follow up the phone call with a letter to your card Issuer. State that an "unauthorized charge" was made and give the details. This will ensure that the incident is treated as a fraudulent transaction.

Learn About Zero Liability

When you use your Visa card to shop online, in a store, or anywhere...you're protected from unauthorized use of your card or account information. With Visa's Zero Liability policy,* your liability for unauthorized transactions is $0 - you pay nothing!

Zero Liability has you covered - worry-free shopping, ultimate security, and complete fraud protection. You owe nothing for unauthorized charges.

* U.S.-issued cards only. Visa's Zero Liability policy does not apply to commercial card or ATM transactions, or to PIN transactions not processed by Visa. See your Cardholder Agreement for more details.

Use Additional Protection When Shopping Online

The financial services industry is developing additional safeguards to help prevent online fraud from occurring. New authentication measures enable you to confirm that you are the authorized user of your card when shopping on the Internet. One such solution—Verified by Visa—allows you to register your Visa card with a participating bank, then create a single password that you can use during the checkout process at participating online merchants. The password is your way to identify yourself online, just like signing a sales receipt at the cash register. Contact your financial institution to learn if your card is eligible for this service.

Make Sure Your Credit Report Is Accurate
Once a year, it's good idea to check your credit report for accuracy. If you find any errors, protect yourself legally by contacting the reporting bureau in writing within 30 days. You can order your report from any of these three national credit bureaus for a fee ranging from free to about $8.