You can pay for anything, anytime and have peace of mind that you’re doing it securely. Whether checking out online, in the supermarket or on holiday, you can do so quickly and easily, knowing our technology secures every payment. It keeps you safe from fraudsters and helps prevent anyone except you from using your card.
But if your details fall into the wrong hands and your card is used fraudulently, we can help put things right, and there are ways you could get your money back.
1 Always to keep your Visa card in sight when you’re paying for things
2 Keep an eye on your account for payments you don’t recognise. If possible, set up transaction alerts on your banking apps
3 If you see a card payment you don't recognise, report it to your card provider immediately
4 Never share your card details or PIN with others
5 Only communicate with your bank through official, secure channels with password or identity protection
6 Be wary of unexpected emails, texts or calls from your bank and check with your bank if you are unsure before responding to emails or text messages.
The more you know about scams, the more ways you can protect yourself. Learn about the common types of scams and fraud and what you can do to avoid them.
Your card can be stolen from the post or from your wallet. Criminals can use it for contactless payments and online purchases as these don’t need a PIN. If you’re expecting a new card and it doesn’t arrive, contact your bank.
Phishing websites mirror real websites to trick you into revealing your card and personal details. Signs to watch out for: the wrong URL, spelling errors, design that doesn’t look right.
Email scams usually aim to make you part with your details or part with money. Popular scams include emails that offer you a large sum of money for a small fee, or ‘You’re a winner – claim your prize’ emails.
Criminals can obtain personal information from stolen or discarded documents (like receipts, bank statements and bills). They also go through people’s social media profiles to learn more about them. Shred sensitive documents and be careful what you reveal on social media.
A credit or debit card can be easily cloned. Skimming devices can be fitted to an ATM to capture your details, so always check for unusual devices around the card slot. And if you’re paying at a shop or restaurant, an employee can put your card into a device which copies the key information – so try not to let the card out of your sight.
This is a sophisticated form of phishing and a con trick. A criminal poses as someone legitimate like a bank employee who needs to check your account or tax official who needs you to make an urgent payment. If you’re suspicious, say and pay nothing. Contact the organisation directly.
It's important to report any suspected fraud immediately so that your bank can block your card and secure your account.
If you think your debit card has been used by someone else, contact your bank immediately.
Contact your bank immediately so that they can launch a bank fraud investigation, check if you have been scammed online and if you have, you are protected by our Zero Liability Policy and could get your money back.
With Zero Liability protection from Visa, you have the peace of mind that you will receive a refund if your card has been used fraudulently.
Once you have reported an unauthorised or fraudulent transaction, your bank will investigate and aim to give your money back as quickly as possible. In most cases, your bank will return your money to you immediately while they investigate.
You can visit the website at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
If you see unauthorised charges on your account, contact your bank immediately. They will look into it for you.
Following a report that your card has been used fraudulently, Visa will deactivate your card and notify your bank for further investigation.
You want to be able to buy things without worrying. Paying with Visa is the secure way to spend – however and wherever you shop. Learn more about paying safely in our helpful articles, reports and customer stories.
