Vacation kickoff: Police launch new website

Skimming, phishing, cash trapping or theft: card fraud has many facets. Most of the time, fraudsters benefit from the lack of attention of their victims. For this reason, the police have developed a new website on card security in close cooperation with financial institutions. Just in time for the start of the summer vacations www.card-security.ch has been launched. The website provides practical tips on how to protect yourself against card fraud and what to do in an emergency.

According to police crime statistics, more than 4,200 crimes involving debit and credit cards from Swiss providers were reported in 2014. Whereas just a few years ago the focus was on skimming attacks, today the perpetrators' methods are more varied. They are constantly coming up with new tricks and succeeding time and again in circumventing security measures.

Raise awareness

With the new website www.card-security.ch, the police want to sensitize the population to the topic of card security. "The secure handling of one's own account, debit or credit card is the responsibility of the cardholder," says Rolf Nägeli, head of the Prevention Commissariat of the Zurich City Police. "We are always amazed at how easily perpetrators get hold of their victims' card information." This is exactly what the website aims to prevent. The aim is to raise awareness of the safe use of account, debit and credit cards. The focus is on the topics "Protecting your card," "Card misuse" and "Types of fraud." Practical tips and concrete examples also help to use the card safely and prevent misuse. Visitors to the website also learn how to react in the event of an emergency.

The new website was created in close cooperation between the police and various financial institutions. The target group is all owners of account, debit and credit cards of a Swiss provider.

Appeal to personal responsibility

In Switzerland, the police and financial institutions have been very committed to combating card misuse for years. The technical advances and innovations are enormous. ATMs and payment terminals in Switzerland are considered very secure. Nevertheless, fraudsters still manage to get hold of their victims' money, card and PIN time and again. "A major security risk is the cardholder himself," says Rolf Nägeli. Therefore, it is very important that the cardholder is aware of the risks and takes responsibility for his cards. Simple security tips would help prevent card misuse. "The most important thing is to always enter the PIN concealed and not to be observed when withdrawing money or paying with the card." In addition, account statements should be checked regularly and any anomalies reported to the financial institution.

Contact: SKP - Swiss Crime Prevention