INFORMATION & LINKS

Frequently Asked Questions > Travelex Card FAQ's > Preventing Fraud

Other Travel Card information: FAQ's | Using Your Card

Travelex CardsStamping Down on Fraud
We’re dedicated to protecting you

Travelex takes fraud prevention extremely seriously. Every day we monitor transactions on our cards to detect unusual behaviour, and we may telephone you to verify your transactions. Our anti-fraud team leads our fight against card fraud, promoting initiatives and working with crime prevention agencies that make it as hard as possible for fraudsters to make crime pay. With your help, we can make this even more effective.

How to Beat the Fraudsters

The Safety-First Checklist

  • Sign your card on the back as soon as you receive it.
  • Check your transactions regularly. Call us if you see any unusual transactions.
  • If you print statements from the internet, keep them safe and shred them when you’ve finished using them.
  • Never give your personal details to someone who phones you claiming to be from a reputable company.
  • Don’t give out your details in response to unsolicited e-mail.
  • Beware of being tricked into giving away your mother’s maiden name, date of birth, work details, etc.
  • Never tell your PIN to anyone, not even if they claim to be from your card issuer.
  • Don’t let yourself get distracted when using cash machines or point of sale terminals – somebody may be trying to get to know your PIN.

Cash Point (ATM) Fraud

Never write down a PIN or keep it with the card. Cards are often stolen along with a relevant PIN. Be very alert when using cash point machines, ensure:

  • The machine has not been tampered with.
  • Nobody can watch you entering your PIN.
  • Card and cash are concealed and safe before you leave the machine.
  • Retain any printed records for safe disposal at a later time.
  • If your card is retained contact us immediately.

Counterfeit Fraud

Always keep your card in sight when making a purchase with it – it could be skimmed!

  • Skimming occurs where the genuine data on a card’s magnetic strip is electronically copied onto another card, without the cardholder’s knowledge.
  • Skimming occurs mainly in petrol stations, restaurants, bars and at cash machines.
  • Skimmed information is often sold on to organized crime groups.

Using your Card on the Internet

Make sure that you're using a secure browser. As you are probably already aware, your browser is the software that allows you to access the World Wide Web. A secure browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator version 2 or later will indicate whether the website you are visiting is secure or not.


Secure Icon

Broken key or padlock = unsecured
Unbroken key or padlock = secured

These browsers scramble your personal data before sending it, so no one else can read it. Ensure that your computer has up to date Virus Protection and a firewall will help protect you from attacks.
Key points when buying goods / services on the Internet:

  • Know who you are dealing with. Use a reputable company and type their internet address into the browser yourself.
  • Don’t give out your details in response to unsolicited e-mail.
  • If the website gives you the option of using a secure checkout - opt for yes.
  • Just as you save till receipts in case you need to return or exchange something, you need to keep a record of all transactions too. Print and save a copy of your completed order form and your order confirmation.

Phishing

'Phishing' is an attempt by fraudsters to 'fish’ for your card or account details. Phishing attempts usually appear as an email apparently from your bank or card issuer. Within the email, you are then encouraged to click a link to a fraudulent log-on page designed to capture your details. We may contact you by email, but we will NEVER ask you to click on a link that directs you to enter or confirm your security details. If you are in any doubt regarding the authenticity of an email appearing to be from us, telephone our customer services.

Pharming

‘Pharming’ uses the same type of spoofed sites, but uses malware / spyware to redirect users of a computer from real websites to the fraudulent ones. By hijacking the trusted brands of well known banks, online retailers, and card issuing companies, phishers are able to convince recipients to respond to them. Just remember, if you are asked to type your PIN into a website along with your card details, it is probably a fraudulent website, and you should close the browser and contact our customer services immediately.

Remember, we will never ask you for your PIN, either online, by email or over the telephone.

Lost and Stolen Cards

If your card has been lost or stolen, contact our customer services immediately. We will block the card to prevent fraudulent use, and can arrange emergency funds for you. We would also ask that you report the theft of your cards to the local police station and obtain a crime report which can be used for our fraud investigations should a fraudster use your card.