You have seen them across malls,
restaurants and almost all stores to make payment easier. Basically, these Chip and Pin Machines are payment devices, where cards are swiped and thus quick
payments are made. However, in recent years, there have been a lot of issues
related to identity thefts. So, it means that there is a risk that someone else
or even the individual using this machine is using your card could get some confidential
information from you.
Basically these chip and pin
devices are also called chip and pin terminals and are connected to a central
power point. They are also connected via a telephone line or even Internet
connection. There are different kinds of machines here like the countertop PDQ,
which is used for direct or face-to-face transactions. Here the cashier would
just match the photo on your card with you and process. In case there’s a
discrepancy or he is unsure about your identity then the payment can be denied.
Similarly, there are some steps that you
should also implement from your end to ensure that your payments are secure.
· The first thing to keep in mind when
using these Chip and Pin terminals would be not revealing or announcing
your pin to the cashier. When the machine is passed to you for entering your
pin code, type it carefully without any one else seeing the same. This way no
one else can access your unique code.
· Secondly, you must also make sure that
you check the details provided on these chip and pin machines. Often, customers
make the mistake of not checking the brief or the details here, which in turn
means that you are unable to view the exact amount and hence could be charged
double or more.
· Also, always make sure that every time
there is a transaction using your card, you get a notification or SMS from the
bank. Doing so is vital because you would be able to then stop or actually
prevent the card from getting swiped more.
If you are unsure of a place or it seems
that the there could be a misuse of your card or information - then it is best
to actually use cash in such instances and avoid making a chip and pin terminal
payment. You just need to be careful and benefit from convenient card payments.
