Warden Message: Credit Card Security in Belarus

Consular Affairs Bulletins

Europe - Belarus
28 Jul 2006

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U.S. Embassy Minsk released the following Warden Message on July 28:

The U.S. Embassy would like to remind you to exercise caution in the use of debit and credit cards while in Belarus. Although it has become easier to use credit cards and debit cards in Belarus, especially in Minsk, it has not necessarily become safer to do so. On more than one occasion, including recently, American Citizens have had their card numbers "skimmed" and the money in their debit accounts stolen or their credit cards fraudulently charged. ("Skimming" is the theft of credit card information by an employee of a legitimate merchant or bank, manually copying down numbers or using a magnetic stripe reader.) In addition to number skimming, the risk of physical theft of your credit or debit cards also exists. To prevent such theft, we, as always, recommend that you keep a close hand on your personal belongings when out and about and that you only carry on you that which is needed.

In order to protect your credit and debit card accounts from skimming, it is necessary to be very careful about where you use them. The more you restrict their use, the more likely that you can protect the information on them. Confining the use of your debit card to reputable ATMs and banks limits the ability of criminals to steal the data off your card and also allows you to locate the place of the crime if your information is stolen. Using a credit or debit card at restaurants and stores increases the chances that someone else handling your card will attempt to copy it.

If you find that you are a victim of this type of crime, please immediately cancel your card and report the crime to the local authorities and the U.S. Embassy Consular Section. It will be much easier to respond swiftly if you maintain your credit card information (card numbers and emergency phone numbers) at a secure location separate from your cards and if you regularly monitor your accounts for unauthorized expenditures.

The following is a list of best practices compiled by experts:

1. Monitor the actions of waiters and store clerks who handle your credit card. In restaurants, pay at the counter or pay in cash if possible.
2. Maintain your credit card limit at only the level you need, even though card companies often raise the limits in recognition of a good payment record. This will reduce the amount available to a skimmer.
3. Check your credit card statement frequently via Internet or telephone to spot irregularities. Report discrepancies to your financial institution and/or credit card company immediately.

Use the same common sense rules you apply to everyday credit card use:

1. Sign credit and debit cards immediately upon receipt
2. Never loan your cards to anyone
3. Cancel credit cards you do not use and keep a list of the ones you do use
4. Never leave receipts at ATMs, stores, in trash cans, or at unattended gasoline pumps
5. Never provide personal information such as your birth date, credit card numbers, or PIN over the phone unless you initiate the call
6. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox and do not leave mail lying around your home or workplace
7. Shred or otherwise destroy pre-approved credit card applications, credit card receipts, bills, and related information when no longer needed
8. Do not keep a written record of your PIN or computer passwords and never keep such information in your purse or wallet
9. Avoid mail, email, or phone solicitations disguised as promotions or surveys that offer prizes or awards; they are often designed to obtain your personal details, including credit card numbers.

For detailed safety advice on a range of issues affecting those who live and travel abroad, please see the State Department's "Travel Tips" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1231.html

Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk is located at 46 Starovilenskaya, Minsk, 220002 Belarus. We can be reached by: telephone, +375-17-210-1283; by fax +375-17-217-7160; or by email ConsularMinsk@state.gov. Additional information can be found at the Embassy's website at http://minsk.usembassy.gov/html/consular_services.html
Hours for American Citizen Services are every working day from 2:30 - 4:30 pm.