How can I protect myself from fraudulent activities when using plastic money?

There are several ways you can protect yourself from fraudulent activities when using plastic money:

1. Keep your card safe: Always keep your credit or debit card safe and never share your card details with anyone. Do not keep your card and PIN together and ensure that you use a strong PIN that is difficult for others to guess.

2. Check your statements regularly: Check your card statements regularly and look for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your bank immediately.

3. Only use your card at reputable merchants: Only use your card at reputable merchants that have a good reputation and are known for their security measures.

4. Use secure websites for online transactions: When making online purchases, ensure that the website is secure and has a valid SSL certificate. You can check this by looking for the padlock icon in the browser address bar.

5. Keep your personal information private: Do not share your personal information such as your card details, PIN, or CVV with anyone.

6. Be aware of skimming devices: Be aware of skimming devices that fraudsters may use to capture your card information. Check the ATM or card reader for any unusual attachments or signs of tampering before using it.

7. Set up transaction alerts: Set up transaction alerts on your card to receive alerts via SMS or email for any transactions made on your card. This will help you to detect any unauthorized transactions early and report them to your bank.

8. Use payment apps securely: If you use payment apps on your phone, ensure that your phone is password protected, and use only secure networks for transactions.

By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself from fraudulent activities when using plastic money.