Cash dispensers and payment terminals for account, debit and credit cards are extremely safe in Switzerland. Be careful with your card and PIN to prevent fraudsters accessing your account.
Always conceal your PIN when entering it, for example with your hand, wallet or purse. Don't let anyone watch you and make sure you don't get distracted. If you think the ATM or payment terminal doesn't seem quite right or someone nearby seems suspicious, interrupt the transaction and report what you have seen to the operator of the machine or the police (outside opening hours). If your card is unexpectedly retained by the cash dispenser or payment terminal, or gets trapped in the device, firmly refuse any help from people you don't know. Inform the operator of the cash dispenser and your card issuer about the incident at once.
When entering your PIN no-one should be able to watch you. Always conceal your PIN when entering it, for example with your hand or wallet/purse. Don't let anyone watch you and make sure you don't get distracted. Learn your PIN off by heart. Never write down your PIN on the card itself and don't keep it together with your card either. Don't tell anyone your PIN – including the police or employees of your financial institution.
The PIN you were given by your financial institution is safe and basically cannot be 'cracked'. Nor can it be worked out from the data on the magnetic strip, the chip or your bank statements. However, if fraudsters manage to get hold of your PIN, it is relatively easy for them to access your account. This is why it is important for you to always conceal your PIN when entering it.
If you forget the PIN number for your account, debit or credit card, you can ask your financial institution for a new one.
Card theft often occurs near cash dispensers or card payment terminals and also at places where many people gather in a crowded area. Criminals then take advantage of their victims' inattention, for example, when out shopping, travelling, in restaurants or at events, and steal their cards.
Fraudsters generally manage to get hold of your PIN by observing you when paying by card or withdrawing money. So you should always conceal your PIN when entering it, for example with your hand or wallet/purse. You make it particularly easy for fraudsters if you write down your PIN on a piece of paper in your wallet or purse or even on the card itself.
Take a good look at the cash dispenser or payment terminal before use. If you think something doesn't seem quite right (a wobbly base for example or traces of adhesive tape), don't use the machine and report your suspicions to the operator of the ATM or the police (outside opening hours).
Fraudulent transactions are those you did not undertake yourself. Regularly check your bank or account statements in detail (including online via e-banking). If you discover fraudulent transactions, report them to your financial institution or card issuer at once. This will help to settle the issue of liability. In addition, the bank can then take preventative measures and step up security for card payments.
If you suspect misuse of your account, debit or credit card, report this to your financial institution or card issuer immediately and have your card cancelled at once. If you notice fraudulent transactions on your account or statement, you should also report the matter to the police.
If you lose your card, have it cancelled at once. Get in touch with your financial institution or card issuer.
The following cases should also be reported to the police:
- Your card is stolen (possibly with cash or identity papers).
- You have noticed transactions you did not make on your account or account statement.
Yes. By reporting this to the police, you are aiding them with their investigations and search for potential criminals.
Have your card cancelled at once if it is stolen, if you have lost it, if you notice fraudulent transactions involving your account or if your card is unexpectedly retained by a cash dispenser. Don't hesitate and make sure you fulfil this obligation as quickly as possible.
You can have your card cancelled round the clock, including at the weekend, by calling your financial institution or card issuer. If possible, state your card number and type of account. Always carry the telephone number of your financial institution on you (but don't keep it with your card). Also save it on your mobile so you can respond quickly in an emergency.
If possible, state your card number, the type of account and the name of the account holder. However, if necessary you can also have your card cancelled without this information. The financial institution will then identify you by means of security questions (for example current account balance, last withdrawal, or regular credits to your account).
At certain financial institutions it is possible to have a card unlocked again after cancelling it. However, cards are normally destroyed for security reasons, with a new one being sent out by the institution or card issuer. Get in touch with your financial institution or card issuer.
You should make a report to the police whenever cash, cards or identity papers are stolen or if your account shows transactions which you yourself did not make. Also report the loss of your card or its possible misuse to your financial institution or card issuer at once.
Make your report at the nearest police station. Ensure you are prepared for your interview with the police and get hold of the following information beforehand:
- Account and card number
- Date and time of cancellation
- Fraudulent transactions (date/time/place). Remember that only fully billed transactions can be reported.
- Have any other suspicious transactions been attempted? (date/time/place)
- Try and work out how and when the criminals could have got hold of your card or PIN and card details.
- Can you describe the location where you think the fraud took place? (place, address, special features of cash dispenser, e.g. tampering)
When paying with a PIN or your signature, a different method is used to identify the cardholder: cardholder verification method (PIN or signature).
No. Both cards are entirely safe – as long as the card holder uses them carefully.
If you have made a payment with your credit card, it is possible to have it cancelled in individual cases: For example, when goods are not delivered or are defective. Your credit card provider will temporarily cancel debits until the matter has been clarified.
No. Your account, debit or credit card is personal to you and must not be given to third parties, including family members, friends, police officers or bank employees. So keep your PIN to yourself. You can ask your financial institution to issue your spouse, children, etc. with their own card.
No general answer can be given to this question. Liability generally depends on the type of crime and your contract. But the conduct of the cardholder also plays an important role here, as well as the extent to which the individual is to blame. Cardholders are responsible for cards and their usage. If they are in breach of their duty of care, cardholders are normally personally liable for the loss.