Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help Protect Your PIN

	Why is it important to protect my PIN? Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is unique to your card – without it, money can’t be fraudulently withdrawn from your account. Look after it as you would cash.

	If there is no one else at the ATM, do I still have to cover my hand when I enter the PIN? Yes. The most common way your PIN can be captured at an ATM is by a hidden camera secretly filming what you enter on the keypad. These are fitted to look like a genuine part of the ATM and can be difficult to spot. The most effective way to prevent this is to use your free hand or purse / wallet to block the view of any cameras.

	What do I do if a shop assistant watches me enter my PIN ? Do not be embarrassed to ask them to look away, or to use your body or hand to shield your PIN.

	What if the PIN I am given is too hard to memorise? You can change the PIN you were issued with to one that is easier to remember. Choose one that traces a simple pattern on the keyboard (such as ‘C’ (3179) or ‘U’ (1793), or the number of letters in a four-word phrase that you can easily remember (e.g. ‘keep your PIN secret’ would equate to 4436).

	Why shouldn’t I use my address or telephone number? These are often numbers that criminals can find out, particularly if your card has been stolen from your home. It is better to use a random number or one that means something to you, but wouldn’t be obvious to someone else.

	Can I tell my financial institution my PIN, if it asks me for it? There is no reason your financial institution should need to ask you for your PIN. If you receive such a request, by email or phone for example, contact your financial institution immediately.

	Isn’t my PIN useless to anyone else unless they have my card? If your PIN is captured at an ATM by a hidden camera, the chances are that criminals have also fitted a device to copy the details from your card as you used it. They can then use this data to clone your card and make a copy of it. Combined with your PIN they can use this card at an ATM just as you would.

	How can I tell if my PIN has been compromised? Check your statements regularly and contact your financial institution immediately if you detect any unusual activity, for example, purchases or ATM withdrawals you did not make.