Saanich Police Media Release

 

Back to Media Page

spacer

 

Christmas Fraud Protection

spacer

With the busy holiday shopping season in full swing, we would like to share some tips to help keep your identity and money safe.

Debit Card Skimming

  1. Don’t let anyone see you punch in your PIN.  Block their view with your body, hand, shopping bag, etc.
  2. Look for signs of a tampered PIN pad, such as peeling security tape.
  3. Pin pads that are hard wired and/or hard mounted are more secure.
  4. Pin pads should be stored behind the counter and handed back and forth for each transaction.
  5. In Saanich, look for our Pin Watch sticker which has been applied to a majority of pin pads throughout our area.
  6. Don’t let your card out of your sight.
  7. Check your bank statements often.

Identity Theft

  1. Keep your purse/wallet with you at all times.  Keep it zipped up, or secured in an inside pocket.
  2. Be careful of who is watching you when you open your purse or wallet.  Confidential information such as your name, address, Driver's licence number, birth date could be seen by those around you.
  3. Keep only what is necessary in your wallet.  Unused credit cards, birth certificates, and other sensitive information should not be kept in your wallet when not needed. 
  4. Don’t give out your personal information, particularly over the phone.
  5. Review your bills and statements often.

Credit Card Fraud

  1. Never let it out of your sight.  Where your credit card goes, you go.
  2. Don’t give out your credit card information on the phone or on-line unless you initiate the contact.  Be careful in giving out this information on sites that are not secure.
  3. Sign your credit card as soon as you get it.
  4. Shred all credit card applications that you don't respond to.
  5. Check your statements frequently.

If you notice anything suspicious while shopping or when you are reviewing your statements, call police.  If you feel that your credit or debit card has been compromised, call your financial institute immediately to cancel the cards and order new ones.  Your identity and financial security is worth taking these extra steps to protect it.