In today's modern world, there are a variety of ways scammers can gain access to your card information such as phishing attacks, card skimming, intercepting public Wi-Fi, and more. Use the tips below to protect your hard earned money.
1. Be aware of phishing scams.
Phishing attacks are designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information. Make sure to never share your full card number over email, and only make online purchases using trusted websites. As a reminder, the Ferry Support Team will never ask for your full card number, your CVV, or any one time passcodes.
2. Avoid card skimmers.
Fraudsters often attach card skimmers (a small device that attaches to card readers) to steal card information like your name, account number, expiration date, CVV, and even your PIN. These skimmers can be hard to spot and are typically found at ATMs, gas stations, Point of Sale terminals, vending machines, self-checkout kiosks, and train or metro station ticket machines. The best things you can do to avoid skimming are:
-
Inspecting payment terminals. Do not use card readers if some parts feel loose or are disjointed from the rest of the machine (different colors, in-cohesive style, etc.)
-
Selecting "Credit" when making purchases. If given the option, select "Credit" instead of "Debit" when completing a purchase to avoid entering your PIN.
-
Using a chipped card. Chipped cards are typically safer to use than Magstripe alone. For more information on getting a chipped Ferry card, click here.
-
Choosing an ATM you trust. ATMs at banks typically have higher security than those at places like gas stations and convenience stores.
3. Do not make purchases when using public WiFi.
Public WiFi networks that do not require a password to join can often be used by hackers to intercept data while you are using the network. Make sure to only login to your banking apps or make online purchases when you are using a trusted network.
If you are the victim of a scam, dispute the fraudulent charges right away and replace your compromised card.