In view of a recent article on the Times of Malta dated 9-4-2008 titled
Some Visa cards replaced due to possible fraud we would like to take the opportunity to remind our readers about exercising caution to disclosing personal card details to untrusted people or websites through email or otherwise.
VISA provides a link with Fraud Prevention TIPS some of which are listed below - so there is no excuse for being negligent. Take your time to make sure you are duly diligent with personal details. There are many physical and logical attacks that can take place such as skimming, phising and even social engineering.
When providing payment information online, look for the 'padlock' icon on your browser's status bar - this signals that your information is kept secure during transactions.
Do not reply to unsolicited e-mails or telephone calls that request your personal information such as your SIN, password or bank account number.
When possible, keep an eye on your Visa card when it is swiped at the merchant's terminal to ensure information on the magnetic stripe is not copied through a skimming device.
Precautionary measures are good - but prevention is better than cure - and preceding that being aware is the first step. The hard part is getting the message out there - and that is where strive to make a difference.
Sources/References
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080409/local/some-visa-cards-replaced-due-to-possible-fraud
http://www.visa.ca/en/personal/securewithvisa/fraudprevtips.cfm
http://www.visa.ca/phishing/
