Visa Security Sense
Tips for Preventing Fraud
Fraudsters will stop at nothing to get your personal information and card data. Their scams can be clever, but not clever enough, if you know how they work and how to avoid them. We’ve highlighted a few of the ways fraudsters and identity thieves try to get your information.
Phishing
Phishing is when fraudsters pretending to be from well-known companies, organizations, or government agencies contact consumers and try to trick them into revealing their personal information. That information is then used to commit fraud like opening new accounts in your name or taking over existing accounts like online banking or iTunes. It can happen over the phone, on email or even through text messages. Protect yourself with these quick tips:
· Be on your toes. Only open emails, attachments, and links from people you know.
· Don't believe what you see. It's easy to steal the colors, logos and header of an established organization and make emails appear legitimate.
· Avoid sharing. Don't reveal personal or financial information in an email, text or over the phone.
· Pay attention to a website's URL. Hover over any links to see where they lead.
· If you are unsure whether an email request is legitimate, try to verify it by contacting the company directly. Report suspected phishing emails to phishing@visa.com
· Keep a clean machine. Make sure you keep your anti-virus software up to date.
Digital Wallet Services Security
Digital wallets services can hold personal data, including your payment account numbers, passwords and personal information. Similar to the way you protect your physical wallet, it’s important to protect your digital wallet.
Keep three letters in mind to “L-O-K” access to your money and keep it safe:
· Lock it down – Protect the devices you use both physically and with passwords/passphrases
· Only you can access sensitive information – Safeguard sensitive data, including passwords, PINs, and answers to security questions
· Know who to call – Before anything happens, know who to call if there are issues
Online
From spyware to shady merchants, the threat of online fraud is real, but you are the best line of defense. The key to combating online fraud is knowing what threats exist and taking easy steps to beat them.
To prevent online fraud:
· Keep current with your software and virus protection
· Create strong passwords
· Ignore emails from senders you don’t know
· Use your pop-up blocker
· Download files only from sites you know
· Sign up for email/text "transaction alerts" from your bank to keep track of your purchases
· Activate Verified by Visa for added security
Travel
Don’t let fraud ruin the trip of a lifetime. Take these few easy measures before you leave.
Travel smart, travel safe:
· Tell your card issuer where you’re headed and for how long
· Note card numbers, balances and issuer phone numbers and keep them in a safe place
· Save and check all receipts against your statement
· Don’t leave cards unattended
From news about the latest scams to the smartest prevention tips, knowledge is the key to beating fraud. Learn more about the simple steps you can take to fight fraud in Visa Security Sense.