Protecting your money

Card Security

Paying by card is the best and most frequently used payment option. However, there are some simple security steps you should take to prevent falling victim to card fraud.

Using cards at ATM's:

• Always shield your PIN number when inputting into the ATM.
• If your card is retained by an ATM, report to your card issuer immediately.
• Try to use an ATM in a busy well lit place, rather than a secluded area.
• Observe the ATM before you use it, if there is someone looking suspicious hanging around, or the ATM looks like it has been tampered with, do not use it.
• Have your card to hand and ready to use when at the ATM, do not look in your wallet or purse as you are open to distraction.
• Take your bank contact details with you whilst travelling abroad, in case you lose or have difficulty using your card.

Using a Co-operative Bank card abroad

What are we doing?

We have in place a number of measures which, with your co-operation, will play a major role in combating card crime.

Across the industry there has been a dramatic and continued rise of fraud abroad, in particular using compromised card details to withdraw cash at ATM's. This has resulted in financial institutions, including us, tightening their fraud controls to ensure customers are protected. These controls often include additional checks when you use your card. This is to verify that it's you using your card and not a fraudster on a spending spree. These checks are not related to your credit worthiness.

Whilst one of our key aims is to minimise the impact on genuine customer transactions, if you travel abroad and use you Co-operative Bank card whilst away some customer impact is inevitable.

What you need to do?

It is essential to contact us before you go away to advise us of your travel plans. So, don't forget to add to your holiday checklist to contact your Bank and advise of your plans. This way, you can relax and enjoy your holiday and of course use your cards for purchases and cash without worry.

If you do experience difficulty, don't worry, you can regain access immediately by calling the numbers below

• For debit cards - 08457 212 212
• For credit cards - 0845 600 6000
• For business - 08457 213 213 (lines open 8am to 8pm Mon - Fri, 9am to midday on Sat)
• For business out of hours enquiries - 0845 600 6000
• For smile customers - please send a secure message or call 08475 212 212
  

Cheque Security

During 2007 alone, the banking industry lost £33.5 million due to cheque fraud. In November 2007, the introduction of certainty of fate changed the way that cheques are processed. This means you can now be sure that after a maximum of six working days (after paying in a cheque or banker's draft) the money is cleared and you are protected against any loss if the cheque should turn out to be fraudulent.

Despite this change, it is still possible to fall victim to cheque fraud. Here are some simple security steps to help prevent falling victim:

• Keep your cheque book in a safe place.
• When posting cheques take extra precautions and ensure window envelopes do not reveal the contents.
• Never sign a blank cheque.
• Always witness cheques being signed.
• Be wary of accepting cheques or bankers' drafts if you don't know or trust the person offering them to you - particularly if they are of high value.
• When filling in a cheque always use permanent black or blue ink to help prevent it being altered.
• Write out the full amounts in words.