Credit/ Debit Card Fraud

What is Credit/Debit Card Fraud?

Credit/Debit Card Fraud is a form of financial cybercrime in which criminals unlawfully use a person’s credit or debit card information to make unauthorised transactions or withdraw money. Fraud may occur through phishing emails, fake websites, ATM skimming devices, data breaches, malicious mobile applications, or by tricking cardholders into revealing confidential banking information.

Fraudsters may also impersonate bank officials and persuade victims to disclose their card number, CVV, expiry date, OTP, or internet banking credentials. In some cases, stolen card details are used for online purchases without the physical card being present.

Banks and legitimate financial institutions never ask customers to disclose their PIN, CVV, OTP, or card passwords over phone calls, messages, or emails.

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Warning Signs

Be cautious if:

• You receive calls or messages requesting your card number, CVV, PIN, or OTP.
• You notice unauthorised transactions or withdrawal alerts on your account.
• A website asks for unnecessary banking or card information.
• An ATM appears damaged, loose, or has suspicious attachments around the card slot or keypad.
• Someone claims that your card will be blocked unless you immediately verify your details.

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What Should You Do?

If you suspect card fraud:

• Immediately block your credit or debit card through your bank’s official mobile application, internet banking portal, or customer care.
• Inform your bank and report all unauthorised transactions without delay.
• Preserve transaction alerts, bank statements, screenshots, emails, and SMS messages as evidence.
• Change your internet banking and card-related passwords, where applicable.
• Call 1930 and file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal if the fraud involves cybercrime.

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How to Protect Yourself

• Never share your PIN, CVV, OTP, or card details with anyone.
• Use secure and trusted websites for online transactions.
• Enable transaction alerts and regularly monitor your bank statements.
• Cover the keypad while entering your PIN at ATMs and payment terminals.
• Inspect ATMs for signs of tampering before inserting your card.
• Enable card controls such as transaction limits and international usage restrictions whenever available.

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Remember

Your card details are confidential and should never be shared with anyone. Regularly monitoring your transactions and reporting suspicious activity immediately can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss.