Credit card fraud and money safety abroad

A little pre-trip research can alert you to the risks and common scams in the country where you are travelling. Many countries have high instances of purse snatching and pick-pocketing. Tourist areas, bus depots, airports and train stations are petty crime hot-spots. Some countries have even had warnings issued. For example, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) points to a high incidence of credit card and ATM scams in South Africa. The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua also highlights an increase in credit card fraud directed at both official and private American citizens and has urged its personnel to avoid using credit cards when possible.

Check the ‘crime’ and ‘money’ sections of government advice for more information.

While you’re on the road
There are a few things you can do to prevent the abuse of your credit card while abroad:

• Brown at American Express says that if you don’t plan to leave a tip, draw a line through the ‘tip’ or blank lines on the charge slip. This quick action will prevent someone else from adding to the total.
• If a retailer does not use an electronic point-of-sale terminal, ask for the carbons and destroy them yourself.
• Use the hotel’s in-room safe or safe deposit facility to secure cash, credit cards, and other valuables.
• It is also important never to repeat your hotel or room number information in public.

Warning signs
Both governmental travel advice and credit card companies warn that you should always keep an eye on your credit card. Make sure you watch a salesperson or clerk handle your card. If it disappears from your sight, or if you think it has been swiped twice, that’s a sign of trouble.

If your card is lost or stolen or you suspect it has been copied or misused by a retailer then report this immediately. Many credit cards can be replaced within 24 hours. When you’re home, check your statements carefully and report any unrecognized charge or charges to your card provider immediately.

European Union PIN numbers
Recently many countries in the European Union (EU) have adopted a chip and PIN system for credit cards. This means that the card information is stored on a chip rather than the magnetic strip, and customers must enter their PIN number rather than simply signing for their goods. If you have a card which is issued outside the EU the retailer’s machine should still be able to read the card and you can then sign for the purchase. In case you run into difficulties it might be an idea to have the contact phone number for your credit card provider. (http://www.visa.ca/en/personal/travelling/travel_eu.cfm)

If you have a PIN number, you should never disclose it. The FCO warns of a scam in Poland where criminals claiming to be police officers have asked to see tourists’ I.D. and credit cards.

Just the same as when you’re at home a few simple precautions can help you to keep your card safe and let you have a hassle-free trip. Keep sight of your credit cards, report anything suspicious, and check your statements when you get home.