Credit cards are often an indispensable means of payment. However, some guidelines must be followed to protect against misuse. The most important: report the loss of the card immediately.
Safety tips for everyday life
- Sign the back of the credit card as soon as you receive it.
- The card should never be left lying around unattended.
- Treat the card like cash.
- If you give the card to a third party for a payment, make sure you can track the transaction - at a restaurant table or cash register, for example.
- Always check the amount of money on the receipt.
- Do not sign any blank slips.
- Collect all receipts and check your monthly statement.
- Do not carry the PIN code with you in written form.
- Choose an abstract sequence of numbers for your PIN code. The date of birth, your own car number or other easily comprehensible combinations should be avoided.
Safety tip abroad
If you are presented with a purchase receipt for signature abroad, this must also show the exchange rate and the amount in Swiss francs: Do not sign without checking the exchange rate. This is often much worse than that of your credit card company at home. You can insist on paying in the local currency.
Secure online shopping
- 3-D Secure technology is the standard for secure credit card payments on the Internet.
- When shopping online, look for logos that say "Verified by Visa" or "MasterCard SecureCode".
- If this technology is not offered, the following applies: Only enter card data online if a 128-bit SSL connection is available (SSL: Secure Sockets Layer).
- If such a 128-bit SSL connection is not available, transmit your data only by fax or telephone. If in doubt, refrain from placing an order.
- Do not give out your card details on incoming telephone calls until you have been clearly identified.
- Orders on public computers should be refrained from.
- Protect your computer with up-to-date anti-virus software or firewall technology.
For emergencies
- If you lose your card in Switzerland or abroad, please contact your card issuer or one of the following companies immediately by telephone Emergency number available around the clock during 24 hours.
- Report to your credit card company immediately if you discover a false booking or other suspicious indications on your statement. The card will be blocked in both cases. No damage will be caused to you.
- In the event of theft, report the theft to the police. Finally, ask for a copy of the police report.
- Carry emergency numbers with you at all times.
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