Self-Defense 101

Though credit cards are infinitely safer to use than cash and cheques, their spending power makes them a logical target for pickpockets, scam artists, and fraud. There are many safeguards to protect you and your card.

We stand on guard...

Most credit cards offer some level of liability protection. With MasterCard’s Zero Liability, for example, you can have peace of mind in knowing you won’t be responsible for unauthorized purchases made in a store, over the phone, or online.* If you suspect unauthorized activity on your account, stop using your card and contact your issuer immediately. Read more about our Zero Liability.

Guard your card

Beyond the protections provided by your card issuer, there are some common sense steps you can take to defend against card loss, card fraud, and unauthorized charges. Loss and theft usually occur in circumstances that can be avoided. So, learn to guard your card.

• Never provide personal details that make you uncomfortable.
  TIP: If you access your credit card information online, never tell anyone your password. Similarly, if you use your card for cash withdrawals at an ATM, don’t allow others to see your access code and don’t write it down — memorize it.
• Sign each new card and record your card number. Signing your card makes it more difficult to use. And, reporting a lost or stolen card is easier when you know the card number.
  TIP: When you’re done with a card, cut it in pieces immediately so others can’t use it, and contact the issuer to close your account.
• Don’t leave your credit cards lying around. Unfortunate as it may seem, credit cards are most often stolen in the workplace. And places such as cars, restaurants, or hotels are also popular with thieves.
  TIP: Keep your cards in your wallet or your purse, and keep them with you.
• Report lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.
  TIP: Most fraudulent purchases are made in the hours immediately after a theft. While most phone and online sales are legitimate, some are not.

Familiarize yourself with some common scams:

• Prizes and awards that require a deposit are occasionally a front for scams.
  TIP: Avoid prizes that require up-front credit card payments, or those that are available only by phone or online and can’t be confirmed with a local store or well-known and reputable company.
• Direct mail that asks you to dial a “900” number to win may set you up for a series of unauthorized payments.
  TIP: If you are given a prize and then offered an upgrade for a small charge, do not provide your credit card number unless you are completely certain with whom you’re dealing. Often such unauthorized charges cannot be traced.
• Charitable organizations usually represent a worthwhile cause or individuals needing assistance. Sadly, a few are scams.
  TIP: Do not provide donations by phone until you have verified that the charity is legitimate. If you would like to make a donation, request written material by mail, ask for a written guarantee, or simply educate yourself about the charity by doing some research.

It’s easy to learn more about an organization:

• Check their Web site for a feedback page where customers can offer complaints or praise
• Check with the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus at www.ccbbb.ca
• Or, simply ask friends about online merchants and other organizations that they’ve dealt with in the past.