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March is Fraud Prevention Month – Guard Your Card!


A new survey released today by Visa Canada to mark Fraud Prevention Month has uncovered a concerning trend among young people. A significant number of young Canadians who regularly post personal information on social network sites are putting themselves at unnecessary risk by mirroring similar oversharing behaviour offline with their payment card information.

Survey results found that almost half (45%) of 18-34 year olds reported taking risks with their payment card information, such as loaning their card to someone or sharing their payment card information over email, phone or text.

Yikes!  18-34 year olds are definitely part of a culture of oversharing online, so it’s not surprising to me that personal payment card information can be overshared online as well!

Survey results show that oversharing financial information can indeed leave individuals vulnerable to fraud. Among respondents who reported engaging in risky behavior, 43% had experienced some form of payment card fraud. Conversely, among those who had not engaged in risky behaviour, only 19% had been victims.

The survey also showed that few Canadians are taking simple steps to stay ahead of fraudsters.  Just 10% check their credit report on an annual basis, only 17% have set up alerts to monitor card activity, and most surprisingly, less than half (41%) report checking their payment card statement more than once a month.

To counter the culture of oversharing and help cardholders understand their role in preventing fraud, Visa Canada created an interactive ‘choose your own adventure’ video, designed to entertain and educate cardholders about the choices they make with their payment cards.

“Everyday, often without realizing it, people make decisions that can either put them at risk of fraud or help keep them safe,” says Gord Jamieson, Head of Payment System Risk. “What we’ve done with this video is create a fun, entertaining way to remind Canadians of the potential consequences of sharing your payment card information with a friend or posting too much information online.”

The video, “The Concert”, challenges participants to think about the choices they make around everyday behaviours with their payment card, and potential consequences.

I checked out the video and had some fun playing around with the possible different outcomes, even if I knew the right answer.  Remember those choose your own adventure books from our childhood?  “The Concert” is the same, utilizing You Tube videos.  Choose your answer, and a new video opens as the story continues based on your decisions.  I think this is a fabulous video for everyone to check out but especially people in the 18-34 age range who were reported to be the biggest risk takers in the survey released by Visa Canada.

I encourage you to check out the video on your own, even if you think you’re pretty diligent about keeping your information safe.  I also suggest sharing it with your kids if they’re old enough, nieces, nephews, babysitter, etc.  It’s a fun way to get a gentle reminder about keeping your information safe and hopefully not becoming a victim of fraud.

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178 Comments

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  • I think there are so many people who can benefit from this…I have seen so many people use someone elses credit card.

  • I had no idea friends would actually request, of all things, credit card numbers over the phone by text. Does that actually happen? That is a huge no-no. Could you imagine someone overhearing the conversation as loudly and in public as the friend is? That makes him a target and should the phone be targeted for theft, the text message with the number goes with it.

    • And given the multipurpose nature of smartphones these days – calendars for birthdays, phone books with names, etc. – you could even have on your hands the kindling for starting a fire that is identity theft. Now that is opening up a bag of worms.

  • Two things people need to be aware of at all times 1) never loan your card to someone else 2) frequent password changes is a great idea!

  • I learned that you should not share your credit card information with a friend, etc. Also, do not send credit information via non secure means, such as texting. I think my niece could benefit from watching this video, as she is a teenager and may not realize not to give out this info over the cell phone.

  • I have learned to change my pin code and passwords regularly. Another thing I’ve learned is to avoid pay on your own options. (Gas pumps, self checkouts etc) I have had my bank card copied twice, but THANK GOD the bank caught it before any money was stolen!

  • WOW It is scary that they had to make a video like that. I NEVER hand anyone my credit card, bank card or their pins. That is MY money and you just never know. I am also one of those people that checks my bank account and credit card transactions at least three times a week. Thankfully my husband has learned I am not questioning his spending, just verifying that it was him.

  • Never loan your card! so many people do this, not just 18-34s, I worked in retail and found so many people trying to use someone else’s card and would get mad that i couldnt accept it.

  • I don’t think you should lend your credit card information to a friend through a text message. Phones are easily hacked and you never know who would get a hold of your information.

  • I learned that people readily share their credit card info-and by text message-doesn’t seem very secure. My mom could learn from watching this-she is too trusting.

  • Will definitely share this with some of my nieces/nephews who are just at the age of starting to use credit cards. I never give my credit card number out unless I know the source and know that it is secure. Hard to believe that people would think that texting credit cards numbers would be safe….scary! The one thing I need to improve on is checking my transactions etc a bit more frequently.

  • What a great interactive set of videos! I learned that you NEED to check your statement when it comes in. I’m bad for not doing that, I skim right past everything to the amount I owe. My husband could really use that lesson too, as he never even looks at any of the statements.

  • I thought the video was clever. And I did love the “choose your own adventure” type feel. I actually chose the answers that I would choose personally the first time I watched it, so maybe I will go with different answers. I never give my credit card number out to anyone else and I don’t even like giving servers at restaurants my credit card info. I did it just this weekend instead of going up to the cash register to pay with my credit card and instantly regretted it. I’ve been checking my statement daily though to see if there is any activity.

    I need to remember that my card must always stay with me and never let anyone take it, even at restaurants. I’ll have to make sure to say I’ll go to the cash register next time.

  • Well, never text important information for starters! Also don’t lend money to friends unless you don’t expect it back . . . ever.

  • Imy husband should watch this – he regularly texts and emails his credit card no to others . Just last week I warned him after her told me he sent a pic of it to a serviceman – card was improperly used at target!

  • I need to check my credit card report more often. I would never share my credit card info with anyone especially texting it to someone.

  • I truly wish more people would have access to information like this. Working for an FI we see people affected by every kind of scam out there and unfortunately many lose $$ simply because it’s human nature to trust others. Keep your banking information, card #’s and ESPECIALLY your PINS Private!!!! Caution people!!

  • I check my statements regularly online, but this would be great for my oldest daughter (22) to watch! She’s part of the generation that gives way too much information….plus (my fault), she is somewhat naive & way too trusting (gets that from me)

  • I love how the video is interactive! I have an aunt that could definitely learn something from this video. She is always sending people to the store with her debit or credit card.

  • I change my pin for my cards frequently…it may be a pain to remember a new number but it provides security

  • Do not loan your credit card to anyone or share your card information over email, phone or text.

  • Yikes! I sent text to my daughter with number so she could order school books. I guess I needed to watch video!

  • I went through all aspects of the “choose your own” videos and none of the results surprised me. To me it is all common sense but if I think back to when I was in my early 20’s I wonder if I would have thought that then…. I think this is a great educational tool for younger people getting their first credit cards. I really liked the part about oversharing online, I see so many people that share every detail of their lives and leave themselves wide open and vulnerable to criminals.

  • very usefull blog, it is always nice to see how to save money, but it is even more important to learn how to keep our money and credit safe!! thank you for this blog, i learnt a few things

  • Hmmm- we were at a restaurant with another couple- separate bills- we handed our card over and they asked if they could walk with their card to the machine- i thought they were paranoid- maybe it was us who was missing the point!

  • Great video – the thing that scares me about credit cards is that even though they are putting extra security measures on them now (the chip) it still does not take much to bypass this feature. You only have to enter the wrong pin 3 times and it will automatically allow you to go to a signature instead. How is this more secure?!?!?

  • I’d like to think all of the people I know would have the sense not to do any of the things shown in the video. Didn’t really learn anything seems like common sense information to me!

  • good info was brought to my attention that I knew before and thanks.
    I know some who could benefit from seeing this.

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

  • wow…I had no idea that the younger generation would lend out their info! I need to show this video to my younger family members. Thanks for educating all of us…great info. 🙂

  • Thoughts
    1. I had no idea you could DO that with Youtube videos! the linky thing. Very Cool.
    2. I’m a fan of saving trees! but I’m not very good at checking my statements online. I need the physical reminder of the paper bank/credit card statements. no idea why that popped in my head but it did! lol
    3. Totally showing my youngest sister this video! she’s very willy nilly with her information
    thanks!

  • I would never give my credit card info to a friend. And I make sure I use a secure site when using my credit card

  • I had my card compromised a few years ago… someone made a copy somehow and stole a bunch of money. Luckily, my bank returned it all. Now I’m super careful with my card info, and I always, always make sure to use a secure site whenever making online purchases.

  • You can never be too careful. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that our credit card is cash. It is important to never let it out of our sight and be careful where you use it.

  • Fortunately, I would say the topics covered in the video are rules that I already follow. However, it never hurts to be reminded of them from time to time. Also, I think my teenage cousins would benefit from watching the video. Kids nowadays are more carefree with their personal information and a lesson like this would be really helpful.

  • I really need to get my husband to watch this. We recently got refused customer service over the phone from our credit card company because we refused to give our social security number over the phone. I think that companies need to do more to help insure customer security.

  • My parents should watch this as they are too trusting. I’ve learned to not share any confidential info while texting.

  • Oh man, friends of mine (and we fit into the describe age bracket – so I’m pleased to STILL be considered young hah) could benefit from seeing this – it shocks me how free they can be with giving out personal info over their smartphones!!

  • That was fun! But also it smacks you with some common sense. I think we are too trusting at times and this can get you into trouble. I think we can all use a reminder like this. Thank you!

  • Change your pin regularly. I know sometimes I forget to do that. I think my nephew could really use the info in that video. Will be making sure he watches this!

  • This is a really good series of videos. I used to work in a bank, and this is the exact sort of advice I used to give my clients about protecting their personal information. It’s too bad more people don’t listen, but hopefully the lessons taught here will stick with at least a few.

  • I am very cautious with any kind of information like this and always have been. I think that this should be shared with all kids in high school , college, and university in case their parents don’t share this information with them.

  • I watched the video and learned to be extra vigilant about my credit card information. It’s too easy for fraudulent use to occur.

  • Heaven knows changing your pin on regular basis is important. I wish more people would get this message. I know too many people that have been compromised.

  • It’s all pretty common sense stuff – but would be good to have young adults watch this to keep some impt things in mind about texting credit card info and lending cards to friends.

  • Never give your PIN to anyone, even if you know them. Thanks for this video I am going to share it with my mom.

  • I knew you shouldn’t send credit card info electronically / unsecured. This would be a good share for a few of my cousins.

  • Good information. Very common sense but easy to forget. Don’t know any one who is especially careless with their payment information, but most people could use a reminder once in a while.

  • I loved this video! Yup, I do know people that could benefit from this and I’ll have to pass that info on.
    I knew about changing your pin # frequently, but had no idea that people would text their info over phones and that it would be vulnerable.

  • This video was interesting and you would have to be crazy to text your numbers to anyone even family! Yikes i am sad to say i know people who would do this though sharing their personal information digitally!

  • Never give your pin to anyone…there are so many people i know who should watch this. A lot of people think they’ll never be affected by fraud.

  • This video is very enlightening – statistics are actually somewhat alarming. I know my nine year old son, Evan, could benefit from watching this video. He doesn’t have credit cards – cellphone *come on Mom (yet)* – but hey keeping the communication lines open between yourself and child is paramount. So discussions of changing passwords frequently, not sharing personal data (be it personal or financial) can only benefit the family unit. Hmmm wonder if there is a generic kid friendly synopsis of FOIP. Worth researching.

    eva mitton
    schoonerwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • I learned to protect my card and I will be showing it to my son as well so he will know as well how to take care of a credit card when he has one

  • Get a new friend, and don’t send your card info by text, guard your pin, and keep your card on you.

  • I’ve watched the video and know most of the things mentioned (and am already practicing it). My family and friends can sure benefit from the video though.

  • Changing your pin! I change mine once a year, I’m constantly forgetting it though. I keep my credit card and sin very private@

  • I need to share this with my daughter. She has a Visa and goes to several concerts a year. I never would have known about this if it weren’t for you, Tenille. Thank you!!

  • Changing your PIN is a great tip. I think my sister would benefit from watching this video. She’s credit card naive.

  • I learned that there might be a lot of people I should share this video with! I’m surprised that many of these things aren’t ‘common sense’ — at least for my age/c;ass demographic — but I should definitely pass it on.

  • I learned that you should change you pin # frequently. I think everyone would benefit from watching this video
    thanks

  • I learned that you should not give out too much information, also never give your credit cards to anyone!!

  • You never know who is requesting your credit card info over the phone nowadays, so be smart and hang up.

  • Be careful giving about giving any credit card information, you never know who you’re really talking to.

  • I learned that you should not give out too much information, also never give your credit cards to anyone!!

  • I always knew to keep my credit card private but this was a perfect reminder of how to stay safe, especially to change my pin more regularly.

  • My daughter really needs to watch this video … changing my pin more often is something I never really thought much about

  • I didnt really learn anything new from the video. I already knew all that stuff. it seems like common sense to me

  • I already knew you had to change your pin often.
    One of my good friends could definitely use this video!

  • I myself didn’t learn much from the video as I was already well aware of all the info provided by the video. I WOULD definitely forward this to my relatives as they would benefit from these great tips

  • Neat interactive story – I’m surprised by the types of oversharing people do with their credit card info!
    Yes, and I shared the video with my niece 🙂

  • I learned to never give your credit card to anyone and I have 2 nieces that really could benefit from watching the videos. They are both new to credit being college students and like to order online a lot.

  • Just that you shouldn’t share your credit card info over the phone 🙂 I hope we all know that one already??
    Thanks again for yet another fabulous giveaway!!! 😉

  • I didn’t learn TOO much from the videos. I don’t think I’d ever give my credit card info to a friend, but I do purchase a lot of items online and I definitely worry about it! I’m thinking I should switch to Paypal instead! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  • I never give out any personal info . Not on the phone or internet , I don’t even give them my social insurance number . Most ppl don’t realize that you do not have to give your S.I.N to purchase anything it meant to be for employment purposes only .

  • I find a lot of people could benefit from this video. As so many people are wanting to give out to much information. I found out that you should watch out how much personal information like your credit card you are sharing. Or should I say DO NOT SHARE

    silverneon2000 at yahoo dot com

  • Yes, keeping your credit card information to yourself is crutial but on the same note …. I thought texting was safe because you are only sending to that person. Not that I text…tried and really don’t like it.

  • Yikes…I’m sure people are doing this kinda sharing of private info. Makes me nervous anytime frankly!

  • Don’t use your credit card to make purchases over the phone. And do not pass your card to anyone else. I even watch my card when paying for restaurant meals. Yes I would like my girlfriends son to watch this.

  • It is super easy to get your credit card information stolen, especially as the video showed, with everyone having camera’s on their phones.

  • I’m pretty cautious already and my whole family is pretty paranoid about this in general. I think it’s good to start teaching your kids about preotecting their information when they are young.

  • All common sense to me. I used to work at a bank and would tell people over and over NOT to give out their pins or to lend out their debit or credit cards, but some people just don’t listen. So important to teach your children from a young age that this is private information that noone else is to know or use.

  • Yes, it is obvious but so many people disregard .. don’t share you credit card information unless you know who is requesting the information. If they call you .. ask to call them back. If they hesitate, you know it is not legit.

  • i learned to hang up as soon as someone asks for my info.. also going to change my pin way more often 🙂

  • Guard your SIN with your life. Keep your eyes on your credit cards at all times. Don’t give out personal info over phone or in response to questionable emails. Keep a constant degree of paranoia which I know plan to do!

  • Good video and information. I think my nieces and nephew could benefit from watching these videos – they are part of that “over share” culture. Thank you.

  • I never share or even use my debit. Only at my bank. I went to a food fair over Xmas and used my debit . 1 time I used it and 1 week later my bank got in touch with me as my account have been hacked. I was devistated. You can NEVER be too careful.

  • I thought most of the decisions were common sense, but anybody can make a mistake in a brief moment of absent mindedness or out of trust for a friend. I think it would be pretty hard to 100% protect yourself from fraud though, unless you just didn’t have a credit card.

  • great video for everyone, but especially for our younger folks who sometimes forget they shouldn’t be sharing everything!

  • I definitely know who could learn from this – my parents! They only got a credit card for the first time in their lives about 5 years ago and they always want to think the best in people which can sometimes leave them open to problems like this!

  • Everyone from my kids to my parents would benefit from this video! Very important! I think many smart people just don’t thinkof or know how they can be scammed

  • DAMN! I guess could benefit from this! I never thought that sharing personal info like this through just a text message would be a big deal. Till I thought about… what if I lost my phone after? or sent it to the wrong person? OMG! I won’t be doing that ever again! Thanks for this eye opener!

  • 1. Never give your full legal name, address, phone number and other personal information unnecessarily.
    2. Just like your S.I.N.,Date of birth is personal information. Do not just give out without thinking.
    3. Postal Codes are also important. Do not give out if possible. Given your last name and postal code. Fraudsters can track you.
    4. Only deal with reputable companies and people. If at all you are uncomfortable or gut check is wrong, stop and turn around, and walk out. You can always do the transaction later but once you give out info on the spot, you cannot get it back. Better to be safe than sorry. Remember You always have a choice.
    5. Only carry the ID, credit cards, cash you will need . Avoid carrying all your personal possessions just I case you need it. If you plan not to need it, don’t bring it. This avoids theft, robbery, loss, or other mishaps. Be responsible and keep all valuables in a locked safe place.

    P.S.
    Had to repost bec, email address what missing a digit.

  • Due to the recent student loan information loss by the Canadian government, I have recently become very vigilant about my credit and debit information. It’s very important to be careful about who you trust with your credit card and debit numbers.

  • Thanks for sharing, I do really try to be fairy careful! I don’t text but it is alarming and almost unbelievable to witness how much texting is done and how possible unsafe it could be. The younger generation make lack pure and simple common sense? But us older ones can be forgetful and ignorant too.

  • Very eye opening and informative. Fortunately no one in my family has had this happen to them thank god, knock on wood, but nowadays it is so easy for people to get scammed and ruined by fraud.

  • Oh, i would love to send this to my brother who is careless w things like this. Living in the big city, you need to have a strong awareness around your personal info.

  • I never thought about “not” sharing information online (going to concert tonight etc.), obviously not credit card info. I would probably pass this video on to my parents, so they really think about who and where they provide their credit card info. to.

  • My brother-in-law could use some knowledge in this area! I think it is so true that oversharing leads to more oversharing until people don’t even know what is ok to share