Credit card security

Card not present fraud

Fraudsters may access your credit card details from old receipts to purchase high value items on the internet or phone where the retailer does not need to see the card to authorise the purchase, for example: card not present.

Cash machine (ATM) fraud

Devices are planted in cash machines by fraudsters in order to skim the card details and use them for unauthorised purchases at a later date. The fraudster may also be watching at the cash machine to steal your card and PIN.

Counterfeit fraud

Counterfeit is a term used to describe the manufacture of a credit card so it looks like a genuine card. Genuine credit cards are then “skimmed” and the details duplicated onto the counterfeit card via the magnetic strip.

Mail not received fraud

Cards are stolen in the post before the cardholder receives them and used for fraudulent purchases.

Using your card

• Always check the cash machine or ATM for signs of interference. Cash machines usually include a photo or diagram of what the machine should look like.
• Treat your cards like cash. Never let your cards out of your sight when paying in shops or restaurants, as they may be copied or cloned. Don't leave them on show or 'behind the bar'.
• Always shield your pin from view and be aware of others around you.
• Don’t accept help from strangers when using the cash machine.
• Only shop on reputable and trusted websites.
• Always keep your receipts and dispose of them by shredding.

Treat your cards nicely

• Don’t let anyone else use your credit card.
• Only carry the cards you need in case you have your wallet / purse stolen.
• Avoid leaving your card in unattended bags, jackets or cars and keep credit card cheques safe and separate from your card.

Getting new cards & losing old ones

• If you lose your card or if it’s stolen then tell us straight away on 0818 409 511. If you are calling from overseas, the number is +353 71 965 6262 (available 24/7). Remember to keep these numbers safe or save them in your mobile phone for future reference.
• If delivery of a new card seems slow, query it with your bank immediately.
• Sign new cards as soon as you receive them.
• Destroy old cards by cutting through the chip and magnetic strip.
• Make sure your post is secure and that you know when to expect your credit and debit cards if you have ordered new ones. If you don't receive your statement or card, or your mail appears to have been tampered with please call MBNA immediately on
  0818 409 511.

Your PIN

• Keep your PIN safe. Don’t write it down or tell anyone what it is. If you change it to something easier to remember make sure it’s not an obvious one that people could guess.
• You will never be asked for your PIN when making a mail order or internet transaction, only the 3 digit security number on the signature panel on the reverse of your card. Do not confuse the two–your PIN is for machines only.

Travelling with your credit card

• Help prevent fraud on your card when travelling by treating your cards as carefully as you would cash. Keep your cards with you rather than packing them in your suitcase and don't leave your card unattended, either in your hotel room or when you are out and about. Make sure that your valuables are always concealed-especially in cars or on the beach.
• If you are travelling overseas, call us in advance and tell us where you're going and for how long. We can adjust our systems to take account of this. Our telephone numbers can be found in the Contact us section of this website.
• Ensure that you have MBNA's 24–hour overseas number +353 71 965 6262 written down and programmed into your mobile phone and report any theft or loss immediately. Keep a copy of the number in your hotel room.

Other helpful sites

www.icb.ie
If you have been the victim of identity theft, contact the Irish Credit Bureau listed here. The bureau can also supply you with a copy of your personal credit report for a small fee. Check your credit report carefully and liaise with the bureau to make amendments to your personal files.
Irish Credit Bureau
ICB House, Newstead, Clonskeagh Road, Dublin 14
Telephone: 01 260 0388

www.anpost.ie
If regular mail and financial documents start to go missing and don't arrive, there may be an unauthorised mail redirection set up for your address. You need to contact An Post immediately.

www.garda.ie
If you lose or have any personal identity documents stolen, you need to act immediately. Report any lost or stolen documents, such as your passport or driving licence, to the local An Garda Síochána and the Passport Office straight away. The An Garda Síochána will provide a reference number which must be included in any replacement document application.

www.microsoft.ie/security
Security information for Microsoft Windows users.

www.chipandpin.ie
A site dedicated to information on Chip and Pin security.

Real time active fraud detection system

MBNA operates a fraud detection system which monitors your account for unusual or suspicious spending patterns, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If we notice anything unusual we will contact you to check the purchases have been authorised by you.

These calls may be made using the latest technology where the voice you hear will be computer generated speech. If you recognise the transaction, follow the instructions to confirm it and then continue using your card as usual. If you don't recognise the transaction, we will transfer you to a fraud representative who will assist you.

If we are unable to reach you, we will apply a safeguard to your account and write to you asking that you contact us as soon as possible. This safeguard will also prompt retailers to call us for authorisation the next time the card is used. We will then ask for extra security information to ensure the card has not fallen into the wrong hands.

If we are not satisfied with the response, we will not authorise the transaction. In such instances, call us immediately via our helpline number, which can be found on the back of your card. Our helpline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Chip & PIN

All banks and card providers have introduced Chip & PIN credit cards in a united effort to reduce credit card fraud. Instead of signing your name when you use your credit card to make a purchase or withdraw cash, you enter a 4–digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) into the PIN pad. If you shop at a retailer that does not have a PIN pad attached to the terminal, you will be required to sign.

You are allocated a PIN by us when you get your card, but you can change it at most cash machines to one you’ll more easily remember (but we won’t allow patterns such as 1234 or 7777). If you forget your PIN and enter it incorrectly four consecutive times, the PIN becomes locked and you’ll need to sign a paper receipt to confirm that you’re the cardholder; to unlock it again, call 0818 409 511 and speak to an adviser.

Forgotten your PIN?

If you have forgotten your credit card PIN, you can use our secure Online Card Services service to get a PIN reminder. You’ll be able to securely view your PIN at your convenience.

Where can I change my PIN?

Currently the following banks have cash machines with PIN services, where you can change or unlock your PIN by following on-screen instructions.

In Ireland:

• Allied Irish Bank
• Bank of Ireland
• Bank of Scotland (Ireland)
• First Active
• National Irish Bank
• permanent tsb
• Ulster Bank

Card Verification Code (CVC)

The CVC code is a unique feature of Visa and MasterCard cards and an added layer of security. It includes a 3 digit number on the back of your card (usually on the signature strip).

 

3D Secure—it’s like chip and PIN for the internet

3D Secure™ Security protection, consists of MasterCard SecureCode™ and Verified by Visa™ and are the leading security systems for online credit card transactions. As a cardholder, and at no cost, you automatically receive the enhanced security. The authentication authorises nearly all online payments instantly with no need to register or create passwords. Occasionally you may be requested to enter information linked to your account when making an online purchase, but this information will be securely treated.

Zero fraud liability

If your MBNA card is used without your knowledge or consent, you will not be liable for fraudulent use. So it’s important you contact us immediately if you think your card has been lost or stolen, or if you notice any unusual transactions on your account.

Our security policy

We operate a strict security policy designed to protect your personal information. Our code of ethics means that any MBNA staff that access personal information must complete privacy and information security awareness training annually.