Nicolette Dirk, Justmoney.co.za
A sharp rise in cases of cloned and stolen cards has forced Mango airlines to step up their security checks in a bid to combat bank card fraud.
From today (5 March 2014) Mango will require every traveler to present the card used for payment either at check-in or at the boarding gates. In the event that the person is unable to present cards or verifiable copies of bank cards, he/she will not be able to fly.
A worthwhile inconvenience
Mango spokesperson, Hein Kaiser, said that while it is an inconvenience, the reality is that bank card checks protect consumers against illicit use and spend on fraudulent transactions.
“During the past two months an 8% increase in attempted card fraud was noted by the airline. Cardholders must provide copies of cards and contact details for verification when purchasing a ticket for someone else either at check in or at the boarding gates. Nothing beats physical checks to combat fraud,” said Kaiser.
He added that an inability to produce bank card details will result in individuals being unable to travel.
Who will the checks apply to?
According to Kaiser, card checks apply for both credit cards and cheque debit cards used to complete a transaction.
“Mango’s wide variety of payment options, including FNB Cell Pay Point as well as using Voyager Miles, Edgars or Jet Account cards, purchase or payments at Shoprite and Checkers Money Market counters or direct debit transfers through SID adds to convenience of payment method. Our intention is to protect cardholders and minimise dishonesty and, we would like to partner with our guests to successfully do so,” said Kaiser.
How else is card fraud being stamped out?
The South African Banking Information Centre’s (SABRIC) figures on card fraud have revealed that about 1 281 handheld skimming devices were recovered by investigators since 2005, of which 129 were recovered last year up to end September. Gauteng Province has been highlighted as the province in which this criminal modus operandi is most popular. Last year, investigators recovered 57 skimming devices in the province alone.
“This has highlighted the depth of the problem and we continuously warn bank customers to be wary of card skimmers and never to let their card out of their sight when performing transactions,” said SABRIC CEO, Kalyani Pillay.
“This has highlighted the depth of the problem and we continuously warn bank customers to be wary of card skimmers and never to let their card out of their sight when performing transactions,” said SABRIC CEO, Kalyani Pillay.
She added that bank customers, who use of the internet to do their shopping, should make use of 3Dsecure products and websites that support them.
The 3D secure product, also known as Verified, is an authentication service that allows only the cardholder to use the card.
According to Pillay, it helps online merchants and banks know when it is the cardholder that is shopping online. It allows the cardholder to enter an additional password or PIN to verify the legitimacy of the purchase.
When shopping online, you should only place orders with the card on a secure website and do not send e-mails that quote the card number, expiry date or CVV number. Pillay urged consumers to only use online merchants that conform to these secure standards.