This article will provide general recommendations and best practices on protecting a Visa Debit card from potential fraud.
In this day and age, one can never be too careful. Please read and follow these best practices.
- Treat your Instant Card like cash – never give it to anyone.
- Sign the back of your card for security and identification purposes.
- Don’t share your Card Account number or Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone.
- Don’t write your PIN on your card. If someone steals your card, they can withdraw all your money.
- Never share receipt information about your Instant Card with anyone else (for example, your ATM receipt).
- Always check your balance in private. If someone asks to listen as you call to confirm the balance of a card, it is likely a fraud scam.
- Avoid letting friends or family use your card so they don’t make unauthorized purchases.
- If you see an unauthorized transaction on your account, go into the Instant Financial app and freeze your card immediately to prevent any other transactions. Then call us with the number of the back of the card so we can protect your account.
- If your card is lost or stolen, go into the Instant Financial app and freeze your card immediately to prevent any other transactions. Then call us using the number on the back of your card, so we can make sure that anyone who finds your card can’t use it.
- Don't use your Instant Card for any offer that requires you to pay before you get the item unless it’s a trusted merchant. Most cases, this is a fraud scam. Look for secure websites (the lock symbol in front of the URL), logos such as the Better Business Bureau or TRUSTe, and positive customer reviews.
- Avoid sites that trigger browser phishing alerts or ask for more information than necessary.
- Always be aware of your surroundings when using your card. If the person behind you is crowding you while at an ATM or when making a purchase, this may be an indication they are trying to see your Instant Card Account number or PIN. Politely ask them to give you some space.
- Beware of card “skimming”. Generally, card skimmers use card reading devices that fit over an existing device or ATM. Common occurrences of card skimmers include gas stations, parkades and ATMs.