ATM and card fraud is on the rise - here's how to stay safe!

With ATM and card fraud incidents increasing, it's important to be extra careful to protect your money. Fraudsters use tricks like card swapping and skimming to steal from unsuspecting people. Let's make sure you don't fall for these tricks and keep your finances secure. Here are some of the current fraud trends:

1. ATM fraud

Fraudsters target ATMs to steal cards and card data. Watch for:

• Card swapping: Fraudsters "shoulder surf" to get your PIN and distract you to swap your card. You leave with someone else's card, and they draw your money or use your card for in-store purchases.
• Card skimming: Fraudsters tamper with ATMs to prevent you from inserting your card. They offer to help, swap your card and skim it using a handheld device to then draw your money.

Here's what you can do to stay safe:

• Refuse help at ATMs.
• Investigate ATMs before using them.
• Protect your PIN and always enter it secretly.

2. Developing fraud trend

Look out for fraudsters with mobile payment or POS (point-of-sale) devices. Stay vigilant when tapping during transactions and never let your card out of your sight. Here's what you can do to stay safe:

• Be vigilant of the people around you, especially at tills or when shopping - don't get distracted.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Read your transaction notifications promptly.

How to manage your transaction notifications

3. Lost and stolen card fraud

Criminals exploit lost or stolen cards for in-store purchases. If any of your bank cards are lost or stolen, notify your bank immediately. You can pause lost cards, cancel stolen cards, and request a replacement in seconds on the Discovery Bank app.

• Pause your card: If you have to pause your Discovery Bank debit or credit card for any reason, simply:
  • Log in to the banking app.
  • Select Cards at the bottom of the screen.
  • Scroll left until you see the card you want to pause.
  • Select Pause card.
  • Tap Confirm to complete the request.
• Cancel your card: If you have to cancel your Discovery Bank debit or credit card, simply:
  • Log in to the banking app.
  • Select Cards at the bottom of the screen.
  • Scroll left until you see the card you want to cancel.
  • Select Cancel card.
  • Tap Confirm to complete the request.
• Replace your card: If you need to request a replacement for your Discovery Bank debit or credit card, simply:
  • Log in to the banking app.
  • Select Cards at the bottom of the screen.
  • Scroll left until you see the card you need a replacement for.
  • Tap Replace card.
  • Select a reason for replacing your card.
  • Select Confirm to complete the request.

Who do I call if I suspect fraud on my card?

Your safety matters to us. If you suspect fraud on your Discovery Bank accounts, or your card has been stolen, please call our Fraud team on 011 324 4444 24/7, 365 days a year.

The Future of Banking. Now.

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• This article is meant only as information and should not be taken as financial advice. For tailored advice, please contact your financial adviser.