Financial: Bank Card Safety

From time to time most people use a bank card, maybe at a store, restaurant, doing the groceries or just to get a little extra cash out of the bank. Even with all the new technology available we are all still at risk. Keep on guard because there are people out there just waiting to make your enjoyable outing an experience that you would like to forget.

The bank card -- easy for your use, easy for a thief to abuse. Whenever you use your bank card, be aware of the people around you. Keep you PIN number secret, and when you’re punching in the number, try to "cover" the keypad from people around you.

What can I do?

If you are using a bank machine, always be aware of the people who are in the kiosk or in line with you. A common scam is for a criminal to "drop" something on the floor, usually folded money. While you turn to pick it up, a second criminal exchanges your bank card in the machine. You won’t know until you try to use the card and it won’t work! By this time, thieves could have drained your account. Keep focused when using your card. If you are suspicious of anyone around you or in the kiosk, don’t use that machine. Remember, keep you PIN number secret. Don’t put the number in your wallet. Your bank card is money -- keep it safe!

Reproduced from: Taking Care, A Safety Guide for Seniors

With permission from Halton Regional Police

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