Cards & Banking

Card & banking safety.

A few small habits stop most card fraud before it starts — here's what actually matters.

Protect your PIN

Shield the keypad with your free hand at ATMs and checkouts — hidden cameras and shoulder‑surfers are the most common attack.
Never use a PIN that matches your birth year, address, or phone digits. A random 4‑digit code is far harder to guess.
Don't reuse your card PIN as a phone or app passcode.

At the ATM

Give the card slot a wiggle — skimmers are often loose overlays that don't quite fit.
Prefer machines inside a branch or a well‑lit, busy spot.
Take your receipt, and check statements regularly for small "test" charges.

Online & contactless

Only enter card details on sites showing a padlock and a web address you typed yourself.
Turn on your bank's transaction alerts so a stray payment pings you instantly.
Keep contactless cards in a slim RFID sleeve if you carry several.

If something looks wrong

Freeze the card in your banking app first, then call the number on the back of the card (not a number from an email or text). Reporting quickly almost always limits any loss.