Card-Not-Present Fraud includes fraud conducted over the Internet, by telephone, fax and mail order. It is perpetrated when criminals obtain Card details through theft. With this type of fraud, neither the Card nor the Cardmember is physically present.

Card-Not-Present Fraud has become one of the most common types of Card fraud. However its growth should be seen alongside the tremendous expansion in online and telephone shopping and the increasing numbers of businesses that accept Cards remotely.

Using your Card on the Internet

Shopping on the Internet has become a multi-million dollar business. Most Internet sales are safe, but as Internet purchases have increased, so have incidents of online Card Fraud. There are, however, several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of online Card Fraud.

Safety Tips

• Deal only with reputable companies.
• Know who you are dealing with - get the seller's phone number, and postal address.
• Make sure the website you access has both a physical address and phone number, so you can call for additional information.
• Be extra careful when providing personal information over the telephone or Internet.
• Make sure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. The security options are not always activated by default when you install your computer.
• Click on the security icon to ensure that the retailer has an encryption certificate. This should explain the type and extent of security and encryption it uses.
• Ensure that the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol is shown in the bottom right of your browser window before sending your Card details. The beginning of the retailer's Internet address will change from 'http' to 'https' when a purchase is made using a secure connection.
• Be sure to deal with companies that post their privacy policy on their websites and read the privacy policy.
• Check your Card Statement as soon you receive it. Look for any transactions you don’t recognise and report them immediately to American Express .

When using your Card for telephone purchase/orders:

• Never give your Card number to someone calling you on the phone, even if the caller says it will be used to claim a prize or award.
• Have the Card in front of you. The retailer will ask you for information including the Card number, expiry date, the four-digit Card Security Code, and your name as it appears on your Card.
• Always ask the retailer to confirm the full price that is being charged to your Card, including any booking fees and shipping and handling charges. Make a note of this at the time.
• If the retailer sends you written confirmation of the order, check the bill to ensure that it is correct. Keep any such receipts and check them off against your next statement.