By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting – June 2011
We seem to still be on the whole Credit Card experience – this was also received from a colleague. Again, how true it is, I couldn’t vouch for – but it does seem plausible and for me forewarned is always forearmed.
“Yesterday I went into a pizza restaurant to pick up an order that I had called in. I paid using my Visa Cheque Card, which of course, is linked directly to my current account.
The young man behind the counter took my card, swiped it and then laid it on the counter as he waited for the approval, which is pretty standard procedure. While he waited, he picked up his cell phone and started dialing. I noticed the phone because it was the same model as I have, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Then I heard a ‘click’ that sounded like my phone sounds when I take a picture. He then gave me back my card but kept the phone in his hand as if he was still pressing buttons. Meanwhile, I’m thinking: I wonder what he is taking a picture of, oblivious to what was really going on. It then dawned on me - the only thing there was my credit card, so now I am paying close attention to what he is doing.
He set his phone down on the counter, leaving it open. About five seconds later, I heard the chime that tells you that the picture has been saved. Now I’m standing there struggling with the fact that this youngster just took a photo of my credit card. Yes he played it off well, because had we not had the same kind of phone, I probably would never have known what happened.
Needless to say, I immediately cancelled that card as I was walking out of the pizza parlour. All I am saying is be aware of your surroundings at all times. Whenever you are using your credit (or debit) card, be cautious and don’t be careless. Notice who is standing near you and what they are doing as you use your card.”
The bottom line as always, be aware, be safe and take steps to ensure that you don’t become a victim.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
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