Visa Reminds Consumers of Important Security Tips and Fraud Protections

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Visa Inc., a leading global electronic payments company, reminds consumers of important fraud protections for credit and debit cards and offers tips to protect cardholders after a data compromise.

All U.S. consumer Visa credit and debit accounts are protected by Visa's zero liability policy. That means account holders won't have to pay for fraudulent purchases.  Consumers should continue to feel confident using Visa whether shopping in stores, online or with a mobile device. 

As part of its efforts to reassure consumers, Visa is reinforcing these important consumer protections through its social media channels and in full-page print advertisements appearing Tuesday in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

"Although fraud rates remain near historic lows, today's data thieves are dangerous because they don't just steal money, they steal peace of mind," said Rosetta Jones, vice president, Visa Inc. "Visa offers many layers of protection to help keep individuals safe, like zero liability.   However, engaged consumers also play a critical role in their security.  That's why Visa is increasing our efforts to educate consumers not only about what Visa offers, but also how consumers can help better protect themselves."

For added peace of mind after a data compromise there are some practical steps consumers can take to help protect against fraud:

1. Be on guard:

• Regularly monitor your accounts, carefully review statements and notify your issuing financial institution promptly of any unusual activity. Studies have shown engaged consumers are less impacted by fraud.
• Be extra vigilant against phishers looking to steal additional private information. It often starts with an email with link to an internet site that looks real, but is just a scam to get you to enter your personal information.  Be cautious of a link that has allegedly been sent from your financial institution asking for detailed personal information.  If concerned, reach your financial institution directly through the web or via phone.

2. Shop with confidence:

• It's important for you to remember you are protected against fraudulent purchases when you use your debit or credit card with Visa's zero liability protection policy.
• Debit cards have the same zero liability protections as credit cards, and provisional credit is provided typically within 24 hours.

3. Take precautions:

• While identity theft is uncommon, it's always a good idea to regularly check your credit report for incorrect information.
• Consumers are entitled to one free copy of their credit report every year at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1(877)322-8228.

About Visa
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world's most advanced processing networks — VisaNet — that is capable of handling more than 47,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, pay ahead of time with prepaid or pay later with credit products. For more information, visit corporate.visa.com and @VisaNews.

SOURCE Visa Inc.