indicatorBanking and Fraud Prevention

Card fraud is on the rise. Here is how to defend against it.

ATB’s expert advice for safe and secure card transactions.

By ATB Financial 16 August 2024 2 min read

Illustration with phishing hook on it.

ATB is committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge to protect yourself against card fraud. We understand that while some card compromises are beyond your control, there are proactive steps you can take to safeguard your card details and personal information.

 

Online Shopping Safety

When shopping online, it's crucial to be selective about the merchants you transact with, as not all digital commerce vendors prioritize the security of your card or personal identity details. To ensure your safety:

  • Verify the security of an online merchant by looking for a lock icon or "HTTPS" in the address bar before entering any personal information.
  • Conduct a quick Google search on the merchant's name to read reviews, especially if you're visiting or purchasing from a site for the first time. Reputable and secure merchants typically have positive reviews across the web.
  • Be cautious when clicking on links from emails or advertisements on web pages. Always validate their authenticity to avoid falling victim to phishing attempts.
  • If a deal seems too good to be true or offers something like "just pay for shipping," it could be a scam. Trust your instincts and be cautious.

 

In-Person Card Transactions

When making card transactions in person, it's essential to be vigilant and take precautions to protect your card information:

  • Cover your PIN and try to keep your card in sight at all times.
  • Avoid writing your PIN and storing it with your card.
  • Choose a strong PIN that is not easily guessable. Using your date of birth or simple sequences like "1234” is never a good idea.

 

Monitoring Your Account Statements

Regularly reviewing your account statements is an essential habit for detecting suspicious or unauthorized transactions:

  • Make it a habit to review your account statements regularly to identify any suspicious or unauthorized transactions.
  • If you notice any discrepancies, report them to ATB immediately.
  • Shred or securely destroy any documents containing your card details, PIN, or card security codes before disposing of them.

 

Reporting a Lost or Stolen Card

In the unfortunate event that your card is lost or stolen, it's essential to act quickly:

  • Report the lost or stolen card to ATB  or your Financial Institution as soon as possible by calling the number on the back of your credit card. We are here to assist you and take the necessary measures to prevent unauthorized transactions.

By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to card fraud. Never share your card number, expiry date or CVC (Card Validation Code) with someone you don’t trust. And remember, never reveal your one-time passcode to anyone, particularly over the phone, and always access ATB Personal using the app or by typing atb.com/sign-in directly into your browser's address bar instead of using search engines.

If you have any concerns or questions, our team is always ready to help.  Together, we can create a safer and more secure banking experience for everyone.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Free Anti-Fraud Training

Security awareness training that will help you recognize and defeat some of the most common tactics cybercriminals use—and it only takes 35 minutes to complete.

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