Card fraud is when someone obtains your card data for fraudulent use. Here are the most common ways criminals get their hands on your card, and how you can protect yourself.
Skimming is when an electronic device is used to record your card information when you swipe it. Skimming devices can be placed anywhere you swipe your card, including ATMs and EFTPOS machines. It may be attached to the slot you swipe through or may be kept nearby to be used by the fraudster when you hand your card over to be processed. The fraudster will also try to capture your PIN, usually by standing nearby and watching you enter it, or by using a hidden camera.
The recorded information is used to create a duplicate card with your bank details, giving the fraudster access to your accounts.
Criminals have been known to steal EFTPOS or credit cards, and then phone the card owner pretending to be from your bank or the police to try to get the PIN. These types of scams are often targeted at the elderly.
Remember your bank will NEVER ask for your PIN and you should never give your PIN to anyone for any reason.
There are a number of steps you can take to help make sure your credit cards, Visa Debit Cards or ATM/EFTPOS cards stay as secure as possible.
All Kiwibank customers' cards are protected by FraudWatch International, a world-class tool, used by our dedicated fraud prevention team. We monitor activity on all cards – ATM/EFTPOS, Visa Debit and Mastercards – 24 hours of every day so you can relax and transact with confidence.
If we notice any unusual spending on your card, we'll try to contact you to make sure it's you spending your money. If we can't get in touch with you and we believe there's a high chance of fraud, we may temporarily block your card to stop any more transactions until we can speak to you.