Counterfeit Payment Cards

Counterfeit payment cards include forged or falsified credit and debit cards. Common offences relate to the making, possession, and misuse of counterfeit cards. It is also an offence to possess equipment, instruments or material intended for use in making counterfeit cards.

Tips

Follow these tips to protect your money and your credit and bank cards against fraud and misuse. Your ABM/debit card is the key to your account(s). It is for your personal use only.

• Keep your card in a safe place and never lend it to anyone. Conducting an ABM or debit transaction requires both your access card and your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• Protect your PIN; it is your electronic signature. Don't write it down - memorize it.
• When selecting a PIN, always avoid the obvious - your name, telephone number, date of birth, and address.
• Never disclose your PIN to anyone. No one from a legitimate financial institution, police service, or business should ask for your PIN.
• Always conduct your ABM transactions when and where you feel most secure. If you are uncomfortable about using the machine for any reason, do it later or go to another location.
• To ensure privacy, use your hand or body as a shield to prevent others from seeing you enter your PIN.
• After completing a transaction, remember to take your card and your transaction record.
• After making a withdrawal from an ABM, count the cash received and put it away immediately.
• If your card is lost, stolen, or is retained by an ABM, notify your financial institution immediately. Most institutions offer 1-800 telephone numbers and/or 24-hour service for lost or stolen cards.
• Robbery rarely occurs at ABMs, but if it does happen, remember that your safety comes first: Cooperate with the robber and then report the incident to the police and your bank.

Source: Safe Guarding Your Money Canadian Bankers Association (October 2000)

See also

• Scams and Fraud