Taking the proverbial minimum of precautions can prevent your card from being copied by a dishonest waiter, salesperson or a device installed on an ATM.

How can you use your card safely?

  • if possible, go to the ATM with another person
  • when withdrawing money, look around to see whether someone is standing near the ATM, watching you and the immediate surroundings of the device
  • before inserting your card into the ATM, check whether it has been tampered with; make sure there is no overlay placed on the keypad or over the card slot
  • when using an ATM, stand in a way that conceals the PIN and the amount being withdrawn. Also try to cover the keypad, for example with your hand, so that a camera potentially 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 you want to check whether the requested amount was dispensed, do so discreetly. Do not count the money in front of other people. Do not accept help from strangers when withdrawing cash from an ATM. If you have any doubts or need assistance, contact the call centre or ask someone at the branch for help. However, never give any of these people your card PIN
  • keep confirmation of the transactions you make. This will make it easier to file a potential 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, inform the bank immediately and block your 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, require the terminal to be brought to you so that you can insert or swipe the card yourself. If this is not technically possible, you should go with the establishment’s employee, for example, to the back room where the terminal is located
  • if the terminal, the conduct of a waiter or salesperson, or the ATM makes you uneasy, notify the police immediately.