Taking a minimum of precautions can help prevent your card from being copied by a dishonest waiter, salesperson or a “skimming overlay” installed on an ATM.

What are the basic safety rules?

  • if possible, go to the ATM accompanied by another person
  • when withdrawing money, look around to see whether anyone is standing near the ATM and watching you and the immediate surroundings of the device
  • before inserting your card into the ATM, check whether it has been tampered with and whether there is any overlay on the keypad or in the card slot
  • when using an ATM, stand in a way that hides the PIN you enter and the amount you withdraw. Also try to cover the keypad, for example with your hand, so that a camera possibly installed by criminals cannot see your PIN
  • never write your PIN on your payment card or on a piece of paper kept in your wallet together with the card
  • if we want to check whether the requested amount has been dispensed, do so discreetly. Do not count the money in front of others. Do not accept help from strangers when withdrawing cash from an ATM. If we have any doubts or need assistance, contact the call centre or ask a person at the branch for help. However, do not give any of these people your card PIN
  • keep confirmation of completed transactions. This will make it easier to file a possible complaint and speed up its consideration
  • remember to take your card from the ATM after completing the transaction
  • check your account balance regularly. If you notice transactions in your account history that you did not make, immediately inform the bank and block the card
  • when paying by card in a shop or service establishment, remember that you must not let the card out of your sight, even for a moment. Copying your card takes a fraction of a second! When paying by card, insist that the terminal be brought to you so that you can insert the card yourself. If this is technically impossible, you should go with the employee of the service establishment, for example to the back room where the terminal is located
  • if the terminal, the behaviour of the waiter or salesperson, or the ATM itself makes you uneasy, immediately notify the police.