Card security
We’re dedicated to protecting you
Thomas Cook and Travelex take fraud prevention extremely seriously. Every day we monitor transactions on our cards to detect unusual behaviour and we may sometimes telephone you to verify your transactions. Our anti-fraud team works tirelessly to ensure you’re protected, while working with crime prevention agencies to make it as hard as possible for fraudsters.
With your help, we can make this work even more effective.
The Safety-First Checklist
- Sign your card immediately.
- Check your transactions regularly and report anything unusual quickly.
- 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 email.
- Be wary of anyone who asks for common security details like your mother’s maiden name, date of birth, or information about your work.
- Never give your PIN to anyone, not even if they claim to be from your card issuer.
- Don’t let yourself get distracted when using ATMs – somebody may be trying to get to know your PIN.
ATM fraud
Never write down a PIN or keep it with the card. Be very alert when using ATMs, and 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.
- “Skimming” occurs where the genuine data on a card’s magnetic strip is electronically copied onto another card.
- This happens mainly in petrol stations, restaurants, bars and at ATMs.
Using your card on the Internet
Make sure that you're using a secure browser. A secure browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox will indicate whether the website you are visiting is secure or not.
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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 its internet address into the browser yourself
- Don’t give out your details in response to unsolicited email
- 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” employs the same type of tricks to lure you to a site address, but uses hidden software to redirect you 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.
Lost and Stolen Cards
Please click here to report your card immediately to Card Services.
