08:00 EDT Tuesday, June 28, 2011

TORONTO, June 28, 2011 /CNW/ - With the Canada Day long weekend in sight, Visa is offering consumers tips on how to protect themselves from card fraud when travelling this summer. The website www.VisaSecuritySense.ca provides helpful information for cardholders on how to protect their account information and resolve unauthorized card use.

"Visa cardholders can be confident in the security of their cards, whether they are at home or away," said Gord Jamieson, Head of Payment System Risk, Visa Canada. "However, card security is a shared responsibility so it's a good idea for cardholders to learn how to protect their cards."

While enjoying summer vacations at home or abroad, it's important to know that Canadian Visa card issuers provide important consumer protections including fraud liability protection and dispute resolution. Savvy consumers can visit www.VisaSecuritySense.ca to find out more about Visa's security features and how to better protect themselves from the inconvenience of unauthorized card use while travelling.

"By spending a few moments building card security into their travel plans, Canadians can enjoy even greater peace of mind as they head out to enjoy their summer vacations," added Jamieson.

VisaSecuritySense.ca offers consumers the following tips when travelling:

• If travelling outside Canada, make sure you call to inform the financial institution that issued your card which countries you will be visiting, and for how long.
• Check your cards - know your expiry dates, account balance and amount of credit available to you, so you won't be caught short with a card that expires while you're away, or not have enough credit to cover your trip expenses.
• Keep a copy of your financial institution's customer service phone numbers, and your Visa account number in a convenient place - separate from your card. Toll-free numbers may not work internationally. If you don't have your financial institution issuer's direct number, you can call Visa's help line collect at 1-303-967-1096 or 410-581-3836.
• Report lost or stolen cards and/or unauthorized transactions to your financial institution issuer immediately.
• Limit the number of payment cards and other personal information that you carry in your wallet or purse while travelling.
• Be aware of your surroundings when entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN) at an ABM or at the checkout.
• As always, save and check all receipts against your statement.

Cardholders can also turn to www.VisaSecuritySense.ca for news about fraud scams, access helpful resources or find help to resolve problems.