EC and credit cards are a common alternative to cash and are widely accepted as payment methods - even internationally. Criminals also take advantage of this fact and are constantly developing new approaches to obtain sensitive data such as PINs or card verification numbers. Skimming and phishing, for example.

On the following pages you will learn more about the safe use of non-cash means of payment and ways to protect yourself from debit and credit card fraud. If a debit card is stolen or lost, you have the option of having a debit card immediately blocked for further payments via the central blocking emergency number 116 116 or by the police.

Be careful when paying cashless

EC and credit cards play a role in cashless payments in a wide variety of areas: They can be used as a convenient means of payment as an alternative to cash. In addition, there is the worldwide acceptance of credit cards in stores and the possibility of withdrawing cash using EC cards/bank cards or credit cards at over 1.7 million ATMs (approx. 60,000 in Germany).

The widespread and, above all, high acceptance of “plastic money” exerts an irresistible attraction on criminals - EC and credit card fraud is flourishing . This often makes it easy for criminals: credit card users reveal data such as the credit card number, the period of validity of the card and the signature wherever they pay by card. All data is part of the receipt. come into possession of highly confidential information .

Furthermore, perpetrators are developing new methods to fraudulently obtain card data and personal identification numbers – such as so-called skimming .

Payment card fraud

When it comes to fraud with payment cards (e.g. Girocard, previously also known as ec card) with a PIN, the numbers in 2021 remain at about the same level with 22,226 cases compared to 2020 with 22,003 cases. Fraud cases involving illegally obtained payment cards without a PIN increased slightly again, from 12,241 cases to 12,331 cases (2019: 12,090 cases). You can find more information about the number of cases in the information text on payment card fraud.

Pay with credit cards Internet

With this payment option, goods or services are ordered by letter, telephone, fax or mainly via the Internet. Payment is made by stating the credit card number and the expiry date, if necessary also using the three-digit card verification number (CVC/CVV; on the back of the card).

Currently, around 80 percent of all people aged 10 and over in Germany use the Internet at home, at work or elsewhere. Criminals are also taking advantage of the widespread to obtain payment card data: When using credit card (data) on the Internet, dubious merchants Third parties can also access card data from private individuals or companies with an unencrypted Internet connection .

also try to obtain payment card details, passwords or personal data (phishing) fake Internet emails or using viruses and Trojan malware programs .

We have summarized what you should pay attention to when shopping online in our tips for a safe online purchase .

Tips for safe handling of payment cards

Handling the PIN

  • The PIN must never be passed on to third parties; not even financial institutions or credit card companies know the PIN; Therefore, neither officials (e.g. police officers) nor employees of financial institutions will legally ask for the PIN.
  • It's best to learn your PIN by heart and destroy the PIN letter .
  • Under no circumstances should the PIN be written down anywhere - especially not on the payment card! Not even in the address book disguised as a telephone number or something similar.
  • entering the PIN at the cash dispenser or at the cash register in retail, make sure no one can observe the process ; Politely but firmly ask intrusive people or alleged helpers to stay away.
  • Cover the PIN entry by holding your hand or wallet close to the keyboard as a privacy screen. This makes spying much more difficult.
  • enter the PIN at door openers , not even at banks. In such cases, contact the police immediately.
  • Do not follow instructions that ask you to enter your PIN multiple times.
  • give out your PIN and make sure you return your own payment card.
     

General recommendations

  • leave payment cards in office/work spaces, swimming pools, hospitals, hotel rooms, motor vehicles, etc. - neither open nor hidden; not even for just a short time.
  • Rather, treat debit and credit cards carefully like cash and carry them close to your body in closed inner pockets of your clothing.
  • Check regularly whether you still have your card(s).
  • Before you withdraw money from the ATM, carefully observe your surroundings. Pay attention to the external condition of the ATM and immediately report any noticeable changes to the ATM to the police. Never thoughtlessly go to the ATM to withdraw money.
  • Please observe all the requirements that your financial or credit institution has contractually agreed with you. Also read the fine print in the contract – especially the liability sections; They determine which duties of care you must fulfill when handling your payment card.
  • Keep credit/debit card receipts carefully and check your bank statement promptly . Destroy prescribed receipts, including the carbonless paper if necessary.
  • Always keep an eye on your card.

Payment cards on the Internet

  • Internet security should generally be observed when making Internet transactions , i.e. always use an up-to-date virus protection program and a current firewall and check browser settings, especially with regard to active content. Do not open emails from unknown senders. If possible, carry out the transaction on your own computer. More information under Security Compass.
  • Only pass on your credit card number via connections that encryption between your computer and the recipient (e.g. SSL standard).
  • In addition, you may also be required to provide the card verification number (for VISA it is called CVV2=Card Verification Value 2, for Mastercard CVC2=Card Verification Code 2), which is printed on the credit card itself but is not stored in the magnetic strip.
  • The general rule is: make sure you know who you are dealing with . Print out the general terms and conditions and the legal notice (address, telephone number). Use the information to verify the existence of the Internet company. Print out the entire business transaction. For internet retailers based abroad, particularly in non-EU countries, please note that our legal system may not have access. If necessary, select other payment options (cash on delivery, direct debit, bank transfer).

Further useful information can be found in the “Caution Card Tricks” leaflet or on the pages of www.kartensicherheit.de . Among other things, you can download a so-called SOS info pass there.

The card is gone – what to do?

Many perpetrators take advantage of the widespread use of “plastic money”. If you lose your card, have it blocked immediately for further use , even if it is withheld by the ATM for reasons that are unclear.

If you suspect a crime, you should also report it to the police immediately.

KUNO – Block debit cards for direct debits

More security in non-cash payment transactions is achieved through a computer-based police system against the misuse of stolen ec cards.

KUNO ( crime in non cash payment transactions using non-police organizational structures) is a voluntary system run by the police authorities and businesses.

The aim is to reduce cases of fraud in card-based payment transactions. If you lose your debit card (e.g. girocard, previously also known as an EC card), you should not only have it blocked by your bank, but also report it to the police as stolen! The police will then report the details of your lost debit card (bank code, account number and card sequence number) to the retailer's cooperation partner.

From there, this data is forwarded to the retail stores connected to the KUNO blocking system. This is the only way your card will be blocked for direct debit (payment by card plus signature)! In order to cashier staff and businesses with comprehensive information about the new system, the Police Crime Prevention Department, in collaboration with the Main Retail Association (HDE), has developed an information sheet that can be downloaded free of charge here.

Further information about the KUNO locking system…

Lockdown emergency call 116 116

Due to the increasing number of card-based payments and the resulting confusion of blocking hotlines, the blocking emergency number 116 116 introduced on July 1, 2005 on the recommendation of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and as a project of the D21 initiative.

The campaign is supported by the German Retail Association (HDE). With the campaign, the campaign partners inform consumers about the correct behavior if a card is lost through increased prevention measures and targeted tips in order to prevent financial damage.

To effectively prevent misuse of your cards, you should have your stolen or lost cards blocked immediately.

Debit cards (e.g. girocard, previously also known as ec card) can be blocked 116 116 * (blocking emergency number) or 01805-021021

The emergency number is the world's first central and uniform number for blocking cards and electronic authorizations. In the event of a card loss, citizens receive safe, quick and uncomplicated help and the blocking emergency number can also be reached by fax on 116 116 for people with speech and hearing impairments .

Since November 1, 2010, holders of a new identity card or electronic residence permit have had the opportunity to have the online ID function blocked by telephone

From abroad you can reach the blocking emergency number with the respective state code for Germany, usually on +49 116 116 . For additional security, especially for accessibility from abroad, the blocking emergency number can also be reached +49 (0)30 40 50 40 50

Credit card blocking numbers:

  • MasterCard Germany only: 0800 071 3542 *
  • from other countries (call collect): +1 636 7227 111
  • Visa: 0800 811 8440 *
  • from other countries (call collect): +1 303 9671 096
  • American Express: +49 69 97 97 1000 **
  • Diners Club: +49 69 900 150 135 or 136 **

* Free from the German landline and from the mobile network within Germany, different fees from abroad
** 14 cents/min. from the German landline, 42 cents/min. Maximum mobile phone price, different fees from abroad

In the event of a loss, we also recommend notifying the account-holding institution immediately. Some institutes offer their own emergency call service.

What is needed for blocking?

The cardholder does not register to use the emergency blocking call. To block lost cards, you should still have the following data ready:

  • EC and bank cards: the account number is absolutely required; The bank sort code is helpful for faster processing
  • Credit cards: the name of the bank or alternatively the sort code

Which cards can be blocked?

The emergency blocking call 116 116 applies to customers with cards or media whose issuers have joined the emergency blocking call. More than 90 percent of all bank and payment cards , various company employee ID cards and even cell phone cards can now The concept of the blocking emergency call envisages involving participants from other industries and with other media, e.g. from the healthcare sector, as well as companies with employee ID cards or access authorizations. Non-discriminatory access allows all issuers of cards and electronic authorizations to join the blocking emergency call - regardless of the number of cards in circulation.

Further links to the blocking emergency number 116 116

Source: Police Advisory


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