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The dumb restaurant mistake that’s making you a thief’s target

Watch out! Image: Getty
Watch out! Image: Getty

“Can we get the bill please?”

It’s an everyday phrase, but what happens next can be the difference between a secure payment and potential credit card fraud.

The waiter will bring you the bill and offer you a choice, you can pop your credit card in with the bill for payment at the counter or you can go up to the counter and pay yourself.

According to the founder of credit card comparison site creditcard.com.au, Roland Bleyer, savvy consumers will only do one thing.

“Don’t ever give your card to anyone,” he said.

“Often when you pay for a meal at a restaurant, the waiter will take your card away and process the payment and bring the card back to you.”

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But this is a bad idea.

“Allowing someone to take your card away is risky. They can copy it, take a photo of it, or even use it.”

Credit card fraud is an ongoing problem, he explained, but Australians are unfortunately making silly mistakes that make it even easier for criminals to wreak financial havoc.

Four other mistakes we’re making

1. Giving card details over the phone

This is another big no-no, according to Bleyer.

“You’d be surprised how many people give their credit card details to scammers who call pretending to a supplier. Never give your details to someone over the phone,” he said.

It’s better to call the organisation directly on their official landline, not the number quoted by those calling as they could potentially be scammers.

The official landline will be quoted on your bills or on the service’s official website.

2. Doing this – in public

Not only should you be careful about giving card details over the phone, you should pay attention to where you’re sharing these details.

“You’d be surprised how many times I have heard someone give out their credit card details over the phone in areas where others can hear. Never do this, it only takes one person to overhear the conversation,” Bleyer said.

“This is pretty common in workplaces as well.”

3. Taking the bait on phishing emails

Most of us like to think we can spot a scam, but the unfortunate reality is that scammers are growing increasingly sophisticated.

But one clear warning sign is if an organisation is asking you to share your card details over email.

“No organisation of integrity that values their clients’ safety and security will ever require you to submit your credit cards via a link in an email.”

If you get an email like this, you should just “block and delete”.

4. Sharing details over public wifi

Aussie consumers shopping or making payments online need to pay close attention to their connection.

It’s easier for scammers to intercept your activity when you’re using a public computer or internet connection, warned Bleyer.

“Make sure you are using a secure connection and also keep your virus protection up to date,” he advised.

“Never ever forget to log out of a public computer and always logout of a site where your financial information is stored.”

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