While Visa continually develops technologies and solutions to help combat fraud, we also recognize that informed and alert consumers are the frontline of defense against card fraud. Visa provides the following advice to consumers on how to protect yourself against fraud in both the physical and virtual worlds.

• Treat your cards as if they were cash
• Never write down your Personal Identification Number (PIN)-memorize it
• Never disclose PIN numbers to anyone
• Do not choose numbers and letters that can be easily identified when selecting a PIN (e.g. avoid using initials, phone numbers, or birth dates)
• Ensure you sign your card on the signature panel as soon you receive it
• Make a record of card account numbers and telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards and keep this list in a safe place
• Ensure that your card is returned after every purchase
• Never give card numbers over the phone, unless you have initiated the call and you have verified you are dealing with a reputable merchant
• Verify the transaction amount before signing the sales receipt
• Check that the amount on the customer copy of the receipt matches the amount recorded on the merchant copy
• Check billing statements and purchase amounts against receipts
• Know who has access to your cards; if a family member borrows a credit card without the your knowledge, you will be responsible for those purchases or cash withdrawals
• Do not leave cards in the glove compartment of your car
• Report lost or stolen cards to your issuing bank immediately
• Report suspicious activities on your credit card or bank account to your issuing bank immediately