EC and credit cards are a common alternative to cash and are widely accepted as a means of payment – also internationally. Criminals take advantage of this fact and are constantly developing new methods of accessing sensitive data such as PINs or card verification numbers. Take skimming and phishing, as examples.
Be careful with cashless payments
EC and credit cards play a role in cashless payment in a wide variety of areas: They can be used as an alternative to cash as a convenient means of payment. In addition, there is global acceptance of credit cards in retail and the option of withdrawing cash from over 1.7 million ATMs (approx. 60,000 in Germany) using an EC card / bank card or credit card.
The widespread use and above all the high level of acceptance of “plastic money” exert an irresistible attraction on criminals – debit and credit card fraud is flourishing. It is often made easy for criminals: A credit card user reveals data such as the credit card number, the validity period of the card and the signature wherever he pays by card. All data are part of the receipt. So come with any payment more and more people into the possession of highly confidential information.
Furthermore, developing new perpetrators Pre-hens have to go to fraudulent card data and personal identification number – such as the so-called skimming.
Pay with credit cards Internet
With this payment option, goods or services are ordered by letter, telephone, fax or mainly via the Internet. Payment is made by stating the credit card number and the expiry date, if necessary also using the three-digit card verification number (CVC / CVV; on the back of the card). You can cvv virtually though cvv shops online. Rest assures CVV Shop you are going to choose is authentic.
In developed countries like Germany, around 80 percent of all people aged 10 and over currently use the Internet at home, at work or elsewhere. The widespread use of the Internet is also being used by criminals to get data from payment cards: for example, dubious merchants when using credit cards (data) on the Internet pass on the card data after the transaction is concluded or use them illegally. Third parties can also access card data from private individuals or companies with an unencrypted Internet connection.
We have summarized what you should pay attention to when shopping online in our tips for safe online shopping.
Tips on how to use payment cards safely
Handling the PIN
- The PIN must never be passed on to third parties, not even financial institutions or credit card companies know the PIN; Neither public officials (e.g. police officers) nor employees of financial institutions will therefore legally ask for the PIN.
- It is best to learn your PIN by heart and destroy the PIN letter.
- Under no circumstances should the PIN be noted down anywhere – especially not on the payment card! Also not disguised as a telephone number or similar in the address book.
- When entering the PIN at the cash dispenser or at the cash machine in stores, make sure that nobody can observe the process; politely but firmly ask intrusive people or alleged helpers to keep your distance.
- Conceal the PIN entry by holding your hand or wallet close to the keyboard as a privacy screen. This makes spying out considerably more difficult.
- Never enter the PIN on door openers, not even at banks. In such cases, notify the police immediately.
- Do not follow any instructions that ask you to enter your PIN several times.
- Do not give your PIN when paying and make sure you return your own payment card.
General recommendations
Never leave payment cards lying around in offices / work rooms, swimming pools, hospitals, hotel rooms, motor vehicles, etc. – neither open nor hidden; not even for a short time.
Rather, treat EC and credit cards carefully like cash and carry them close to your body in closed inner pockets of your clothing.
Check regularly whether you still have your card (s).
Before withdrawing money from the machine, keep a close eye on your surroundings. Pay attention to the external condition of the ATM and report any noticeable changes to the ATM to the police immediately. Never mindlessly go to the machine to withdraw money.
Observe all conditions that your financial or credit institution has contractually agreed with you. Also read the fine print in the contract – especially the liability sections; they determine which due diligence you have to fulfill when handling your payment card.
Keep credit card / bank card receipts in a safe place and check your bank statement promptly. Destroy any prescribed receipts, possibly also the carbonless paper.
Always keep an eye on your card.