Card Security Tips

Informed and alert consumers assist in the frontline of defense against payment fraud

Card Security Tips

Access Bank and her partner card schemes (Interswitch, Visa, Valucard) will never send you an e-mail asking for confidential information such as account numbers, passwords, PIN numbers, credit card numbers or social security numbers.
Protect yourself from fraudulent e-mails (phishing) claiming to be from a credit card company, bank’s website or any other website for that matter. Delete unsolicited e-mail or sms that asks for this type of personal information. If you suspect you've provided confidential information to a fraudulent site or individual, contact the customer service number on the back of your card or from your account statement. You can report e-mail fraud claiming to be from any of our partner card schemes by forwarding the suspicious message to: contactcentre@accessbankplc.com


Take note of the following tips:
  • Never write down your Personal Identification Number (PIN)–memorize it!
  •  Never disclose PIN numbers to anyone.
  • When selecting a PIN, do not choose numbers and letters that can be easily identified. Avoid using initials, phone numbers or birth dates.
  • Ensure you sign the signature panel on your card as soon as card is received.
  •  Make a record of card account numbers and telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. Keep this list in a safe place.
  • Make sure your card is returned after every purchase.
  • Never give card numbers over the phone, unless you have initiated the call.
  • Always verify the transaction amount before signing the sales receipt.
  • Always check sales vouchers to verify that the amount on the customer copy of the receipt matches the amount recorded on the merchant copy.
  •  Know who has access to your cards.
  • Do not leave cards in the glove compartment of your car.
  •  Report lost or stolen cards to your issuing bank immediately.
  •  Report suspicious activities to your issuing bank.
  • Do not use your card to make purchases online on websites you are not sure of its security.
  • Some of those websites do not require your PIN for payments to be made from your account.
  • Where it is a fraudulent website, your card details can be used to make purchases online.
  • Enrol for VbyV so as to minimize the risks of being defrauded.
  • Your card is as important as your PIN.