Credit Cards - Security Reminders

To prevent credit card fraud, below are some useful suggestions on how to safeguard your credit card from unauthorized use.

1.	Your card is as good as cash. Always keep it in a secure place. Never leave your card unattended.
2.	Sign your credit card when you receive it. An unsigned card exposes you to greater risk of unlawful card use.
3.	Cut up your expired card. Expired cards may still be used for fraudulent transactions.
4.	Never give your credit card account number over the telephone unless dealing with a reputable company or institution.
5.	Never allow your credit card to be used as a reference or as an identification card.
6.	Your credit card is non-transferable. Never let anyone use it.
7.	Do not entrust your credit card to persons offering additional credit limit or cash conversion. In case someone has approached you, immediately notify Standard Chartered Bank Contact Centre.
8.	Check the transaction slip / sales invoice amount before signing. Never sign a blank transaction slip or sales invoice.
9.	Retrieve your card immediately after every transaction. Keep your transaction slips and promptly reconcile them with your monthly billings. After reconciling, destroy all transaction slips / sales invoices, making sure account numbers are no longer readable.
10.	When using credit cards, keep a constant eye on the card and the one handling it. Be aware of the "swipe and theft" scam using card skimmers. A skimmer is a machine that records the information from the magnetic stripe on a credit card to be downloaded onto a personal computer later. The card can be swiped on a skimmer by a dishonest person and that data can then be used to make duplicate copies of the credit card.
11.	Do not leave your credit card billing statements in an unsecured place since these documents have access to your credit card information. Consider shredding sensitive documents rather than simply throwing them away.
12.	Regularly check your credit cards to ensure that none is missing.
13.	Keep records of your credit card details for ready reference when calling Standard Chartered Bank’s Contact Centre to report lost / stolen credit card. These records should likewise be kept in a secure and safe location.
14.	Notify the Bank in advance of a change in billing address.
15.	Program Standard Chartered Bank’s Contact Centre numbers into your mobile phone for easy retrieval when necessary.
16.	Immediately report a lost or stolen credit card. You will not be held liable for any subsequent unauthorized use of your lost or stolen credit card following the report.
17.	Password / Personal Identification Number (PIN) Care – Do not disclose your PIN or password to anyone. Do not save it in your mobile phone, computer, or write it down. Regularly change your PIN or password.
18.	Personal Information – Keep personal information private. Do not disclose personal information such as address, mother’s maiden name, telephone number, social security number, bank account number or e-mail address — unless the one collecting the information is reliable and trustworthy. You may disclose pertinent information during the verification process when seeking assistance from the Standard Chartered Bank Card Center.
19.	Record Keeping – Regularly check transaction history and details to ensure that there are no unauthorized transactions. Check e-mail for contacts by merchants with whom one is doing business. Merchants may send important information about transaction histories. Immediately notify the bank if there are unauthorized entries or transactions in the account.
20.	Website Security – Before doing any online transactions or sending personal information, make sure that correct website has been accessed. Beware of bogus or “look alike” websites which are designed to deceive consumers. Secure websites have URLs that begin with https:// and a closed padlock icon on the status bar in the browser. To confirm authenticity, double-click on the lock icon to display the site’s security certificate. Always enter the URL of the website directly into the web browser. Avoid being re-directed to the website, or using the indicated website hyperlink that may not be as secure. If possible, use software that encrypts or scrambles the information when sending sensitive information or performing e-banking transactions online.
21.	Hacker/Virus Protection - Install a personal firewall and a reputable anti-virus program to protect personal computer from virus attacks or malicious programs capable of capturing personal or financial information online. Ensure that the anti-virus program is updated and runs at all times. Always keep the operating system and the web browser updated with the latest security patches, in order to protect against weaknesses or vulnerabilities. Never download any file or software from sites or sources, which are not familiar or hyperlinks sent by strangers. Opening such files could expose the system to a computer virus that could hijack personal information, including password or PIN.
22.	Computer Protection - Log-off from the internet banking site when computer is unattended, even if it is for a short while. Clear the memory cache and transaction history after logging out from the website to remove account information. This would avoid incidents of the stored information being retrieved by unwanted parties.
23.	Internet Transactions - Read and understand website disclosures specifically on refund, shipping, account debit/credit policies and other bank terms and conditions. Some websites’ disclosures are easier to find than others — look at the bottom of the home page, on order forms or in the “About” or “FAQs” section of a site.
24.	ATM Safety - Use ATMs that are familiar or that are in well-lit locations where one feels comfortable. If the machine is poorly lit or is in a hidden area, use another ATM. Have card ready before approaching the ATM to avoid having to go through the wallet or purse to find the card. Do not use ATMs that appear to have been tampered with or otherwise altered. Be mindful of “shoulder surfers” when using ATMs. Stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with hand when keying in the PIN and transaction amount. If the ATM is not working correctly, cancel the transaction and use a different ATM. If possible, report the problem to the bank. Carefully secure card and cash in the wallet, handbag, or pocket before leaving the ATM. Do not leave the receipt behind.
25.	Mobile Banking Security - Do not let other people use your mobile phone enrolled in a mobile banking service. If the phone is lost or stolen, report the incident immediately to the bank. Be vigilant. Refrain from doing mobile banking transactions in a place where you observe the presence of “shoulder surfers”. Keep a copy of the transaction reference number provided by the Bank for mobile banking transactions as evidence that a specific transaction was actually executed.