Debit Card / Credit Card Fraud (Payment Card Fraud)

Debit Card or Credit Card Fraud takes place when a fraudster uses a device to tamper an Automated Bank/Teller Machine (ABM/ATM) or Point of Sale payment terminal ('debit machine') to capture data from a payment card and/or Personal Identification Number (PIN); then uses the information to make purchases.

Prevention Tips

In order to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of payment card fraud, follow this advice:

1. Secure your payment cards
   1. Keep your payment cards in a secure location.
   2. Avoid handing over your payment card to someone when making payment.
   3. Notify your financial institution immediately if your payment card is lost or stolen, or if a bank machine appears to keep it.
2. Secure your PIN
   1. Never share your PIN with anyone.
   2. Create a PIN that does not include your personal or financial account information.
   3. Do not write down your PIN. Memorize it.
   4. Shield your PIN from any possible camera or someone's view.
   5. Wipe all of the keys on the PIN pad after completing your transaction to prevent the use of heat sensing technology from determining your PIN.
3. Secure your payment card numbers
   1. Only give your payment card number to someone you trust paying.
   2. Do not give your payment card number to someone claiming you have won a prize or lottery, or other 'too good to be true' scenario.
   3. When conducting online banking or making any type of purchase online, do not allow a website to save/store your payment card number or password / passcode. 
4. Overcome any machine/device tampering
   1. Inspect the Point of Sale terminal ('debit machine') or Automated Bank/Teller Machine (ABM/ATM) for any signs of tampering.
   2. Tug on the card acceptance slot, and other areas of the ABM/ATM to ensure there is no fake device installed referred to as a false front.
   3. A form of tampering of a Point of Sale terminal or ABM/ATM is called shimming. Shimming refers to a fraudster using technology to steal information from your payment card's chip. Tampering may have occurred if your payment card fits too tightly into the card acceptance slot. Stop the transaction, remove and secure your card, and contact your financial institution immediately.
   4. Another form of tampering of a Point of Sale terminal or ABM/ATM is called skimming. Skimming refers to a fraudster using technology to steal information from your payment card's magnetic stripe.
5. Check your Statements
   1. Be sure to check your statements and online accounts regularly.
   2. Ensure all transactions were made by you.
   3. Report any suspicious transactions to your financial institution immediately.

For more information on Payment Card Fraud, and to avoid being a victim, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, watch a Bank of Canada video, and visit Interac.