Card Security

Sensible security precautions

Do not give your card or ATM PIN number to any other person under any circumstances.
Remain vigilant and ensure the card is always in your possession.
Do not forget to collect your card immediately after use at the ATM or Cashless Payment (POS) terminal once the transaction is complete.
Do not respond to any mails asking for your debit card details, such as card number, expiry date, CVV number, ATM PIN, etc. Ecobank will never email you to ask for such details.
Do not ignore any SMS alerts or calls from the bank regarding your transaction or balance in your account. Please get in touch with the bank as soon as you notice any discrepancy.
Keep the bank informed if you change your mobile number or email address so that the bank can contact you easily.
Do not use your debit card and ATM PIN on any other terminal or machine other than your bank's ATMs.
If you suspect your card or ATM PIN is compromised, please visit your branch and change your PIN number.

When you have finished your transaction, put your cash and card away quickly and move away.

Do not accept help from strangers, and be aware that thieves may try to distract you.
Do not accept a request for help from strangers at the ATM.
Be suspicious of anyone offering help, even if they appear to be a bank security officer.
Do not leave your keys or valuables in your car while using an ATM, and remember to lock your car doors at drive-thru ATMs.
Make sure you take your receipt from the ATM.

Never tell anyone your PIN number.
When you receive a new PIN, memorise it and destroy the slip immediately.
Make sure you sign your card on the signature panel as soon as you receive it.
Keep a record of card account numbers and telephone numbers for reporting stolen cards.
Always keep your card in view when you hand it over to a shopkeeper or trader.
Remember, your bank will never ask you for your PIN number.

Only use secure internet browsers that allow secure transmission of data. Identify security clues such as the closed padlock icon at the bottom of the browser, which indicates that only you and the company you are purchasing from can view payment information.
Keep user names and passwords safe and do not give them to anyone else.
Do not give card details to anyone unless you are initiating the transaction.
Do not click on links to websites from emails to make purchases, as they may be scam emails. Instead, always type in the relevant company’s website address into your browser to access their products.
Never send any information about your account or card via email, even to trusted sources, as email is insecure.

Tell your bank where you are travelling to, so that they will not regard any foreign transactions as suspicious.
Check how much you can withdraw in the country you are visiting as there are daily restrictions on withdrawal amounts.
Usually your Visa card or MasterCard will offer you a more competitive exchange rate than using cash or travellers cheques. You can also check the rates on the Visa currency conversion website.
Use a Visa/Mastercard to purchase your tickets, as this gives you proof of purchase if you lose your tickets or the trip is cancelled.

ATMs are the easiest way to get local currency.
Don’t leave your card unattended, at the poolside, in your hotel room, etc. Use the safe in your hotel room or at the reception to keep your valuables safe.
Remember to keep your card in view if you hand it over in a restaurant or in a shop – details are easily copied or fraudulent amounts entered.
Some traders may suggest that you pay in the local currency rather than in your home currency. A commission is usually charged on this type of transaction. Anyone offering this service should tell you what the exchange rate is and the commission charged, before you decide whether to accept it or to pay in your home currency.

Check your transactions on your monthly statement and contact your card provider if there is anything you don’t recognise.