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Security tips for students

Criminals can be very imaginative, but you can place a lot of obstacles in their way, here and while you travel. Here are a few effective methods, provided by Mes finances - ma caisse magazine, to keep wrongdoers at bay!

Daily tips

• Keep your cards with you. Separate them if you are in a risky place.

• As much as possible, avoid losing sight of your card. The point-of-sale terminal should be visible on the counter near the cash register.

• Choose a PIN that is hard to guess. A thief who steals your wallet can get information such as your date of birth or address and then try to use those numbers to guess your PIN.

• Never tell anyone your PIN, in person or on the phone, no matter who asks you.

• Shield the keypad during use.

• Sign the back of your debit card Debit card: Plastic card that you can use to carry out transactions online or at an ATM or to pay for purchases in a store. .

• Cut up expired cards, cards you don't use and cards you receive in the mail without applying for them.

Businesses and public places

• Card skimming networks mostly involve businesses with only one employee. If you are unsure, stop by the ATM and pay in cash.

• Watch out for pickpockets in busy places. If someone bumps into you after you've used your card, check if you still have your wallet. If it is stolen, contact Desjardins Credit Union as soon as possible.

• If you are having problems with an ATM, ask a Desjardins Credit Union employee or a friend to help you, not a total stranger waiting in line.

• If the ATM doesn't return your card, stay where you are and contact your Desjardins Credit Union branch or call our toll-free assistance service 1-866-DCUNION (1-866-328-6466).

Internet and telephone

• Using your credit card Credit card: Plastic card issued by a credit company (e.g., VISA) that you can use to make purchases on credit and pay for them at a later date.   to make purchases on the Internet is always riskier. Only purchase from secured sites and known suppliers. Then check your account statement regularly to catch any illegitimate transactions.

• Never give personal information over the phone (e.g., social insurance number, PIN, the last 3 numbers on the back of your VISA card).

Have you ever received an e-mail or a fax asking you to get involved in transferring a large amount of money? Watch out for this scam: they'll ask you for a contribution or try to obtain personal information about you. The money transferred is usually the proceeds of criminal activities.

To learn all about this type of fraud, check out the PhoneBusters Web site, created by Ontario Provincial Police in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with the support of the federal government. This site provides many examples of fraud attempted using the Internet, telephone or fax.