Identity theft and credit card fraud are two of the fastest growing crimes. It is no wonder since enormous amounts can be stolen with little risk of being caught. The card can be used in shops if the PIN is known, if it is not, then internet purchases are very easily made. There are so many ways in which this crime can be perpetrated that we need to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of our cards, and therefore our identities.
One of the easiest ways to build in security is to sign the card as soon as it is received. The card is invalid until the card is signed in any event. Although chip and PIN means that for most purchases that we make in retailers it is a PIN that we provide to the retailer as proof of valid ownership of the card, sometimes the machines or network is down an we have to sign in the traditional way. Of course, on the internet there are no signatures, but depending on what is being bought the card may need to be shown and then checks are supposed to be made.
Signatures are not full proof, but it does provide one layer of security against fraud. Any of the protection methods currently being used on their own are insufficient, but by combining a number of different anti fraud methods, we should be able to guard the security of our cards. The latest protection device is a security number that is printed on the back of the card. This will prevent those who have your card number, on a sales voucher for instance, from using your card on the internet.
It makes sense to ensure that you keep your card in a safe place. It is very easy for a pickpocket or thief to steal a credit card and so extra vigilance is required. When you are typing in your PIN number make sure you keep it secret from prying eyes. If a potential thief knows your PIN number, then he has an added incentive to try and steal your card. In fact some thieves target their victims by first getting their PIN numbers at tills in supermarkets or shops and then taking the first opportunity to lift the card. The best defence is not to allow the PIN number to be seen when inputting it.