Just gave a general talk on digital payments and safety measures. Thought would put them here…..

Safety Measures to be taken while using Credit/debit card

Identity theft

Some one can spoof your identity and gain access over your account. He might have known your password or your personal information through which he could reset your password.

Credit card / debit card /online banking

Some one must have got your PIN number, password in addition to your card number.. A few cards are also cloned. Phishing is one popular attack. An SMS or email or whatsapp message is sent with a link placed in it. That link when clicked would take you to web site where you are forced to feed information. Sometimes malware gets inserted in your computer or mobile through which important information can be stolen or deleted. Sometimes phone calls are made asking for information like credit card number, PIN, passwords etc on the pretext that you have won an award or got a lucky draw. This is called Vishing. Skimming is another technique through which credit card numbers are acquired either through copies of receipts or through small electronic devices. Never fill forms of lucky draw in malls.

Sometimes people come to you offering help in feeding information in ATM counters. Do not believe them. See that there are no strange devices connected to the ATM machine.

Keep changing your PIN frequently, do not expose last three digits of your card. Register your phone number and keep checking your transactions.

When a vendor swipes your card, keep an eye on him, an be present at the machine when transaction happens.

Use https web site for transactions and see the stamp that the web site is trusted.

Report immediately if you lost the card. Never throw the card after you get a new card. You tear it of into pieces. When you do online banking, don’t forget to log off.

Do not use unknown computers and free wifi to access your online account.