Credit / Debit Card Fraud

In today's world, more and more people do not carry cash but instead rely on debit or credit cards. While technology has made it much easier for businesses to verify if a transaction is acceptable or not, employees should still pay attention to the card and individual presenting the card themselves.

Here are some tips:

• Make sure the information on the card matches the information on the print out.
• Be familiar with security features on genuine cards.
• Check numbers to ensure they are not altered.
• Do not accept phoned-in credit card numbers without confirming with the credit card company.
• Confirm with the credit card company when the credit card will not swipe properly.
• Be careful when a clerk takes your card and swipes it for you. Pay attention that it is not swiped more than once through the machine.
• Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN) from view (debit cards).

In the event you are a victim of credit/debit card fraud, contact your local police service at 236-1222 extension 5433, by fax at 233-6574 or by e-mail at fraud@ottawapolice.ca.

See also Currency Fraud