New Alert:

By following a few helpful hints about using your Cards wisely, you can significantly lessen the chances of being a victim of these crimes.

Do:

• Sign your new Cards as soon as they arrive and destroy your expired Cards.
• Carry your Cards separately from your wallet, in a zippered compartment, a business Card holder, or another small pouch.
• Keep a record of your Card Account Numbers, their expiration dates, and our Customer Services telephone number in a secure place separate from your Cards.
• Save receipts to compare with billing statements. Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account.
• Report any questionable charges immediately by calling the American Express 24-hour Customer Services number (+973) 17 557755.
• Notify American Express in advance of a change in your address.
• Store your Card in a secure place where you will immediately know if it is missing.
• When you are expecting a New or Replacement Card, keep a sharp eye on the mail.
• Report a lost or stolen Card immediately.
• Always keep your plastic Cards with you while travelling.
• Monitor your Card Account activity online to stay up to date and check for irregular activity.
• Call and verify the source of SMS messages or emails that you may receive from American Express asking for your Card Number or details.
• American Express will not ask you to send your Card details via SMS or to fill out a form with such details by email.

Don't:

• Lend your Card(s) to anyone.
• Leave Cards or receipts lying around.
• Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt, draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
• Write your Car Account Number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.
• Give out your Card Number over the phone unless you're making the call to a company you know is reputable.
• Choose a personal identification Number (PIN) that is your phone number, Civil Id, CPR, Social Security or date of birth.
• Give out your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to anyone. If anyone asks you for your PIN, even if they claim they are from the bank or the police, he/she is most likely a fraudster.
• Leave your Card as a security deposit or as identification.
• Leave Cards unattended in a bag, briefcase or jacket pocket in a public place instead, keep your bag or briefcase on your lap.
• Leave Cards and other valuables unattended in a hotel room or on the beach.
• Send or share your Card Number or details via SMS; even if you are replying to a message announcing you as a winner.

Safety Tips for ATM use

• Be vigilant when using ATM machines, especially at night.
• Ensure that you have your Card ready before you reach the ATM and be wary of anyone who might be trying to watch you enter your PIN. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by anyone.
• Read the transaction carefully before accepting it on the ATM machine.
• Ensure that you collect your Card, money dispensed and transaction receipt before you leave the ATM.
• Check if the ATM is being physically tampered with external fittings or loose wiring; or any strange devices. If this occurs, report it to American Express or the ATM's bank.
• Do not accept assistance by a stranger standing next to the ATM; even if wearing a bank's uniform.
• Shield screen and keyboard when making a transaction.
• If you have doubts about the machine when conducting a transaction, cancel the transaction immediately.

When Buying at the Store

• Never leave receipts and carbons behind where someone could pick them up and gain access to your details.
• Never let anyone put your Card Number on a check or any other document not associated with purchase on your account.
• Keep an eye on your Card every time you make a transaction, and get it back as quickly as possible.
• Always ensure that the Card returned to you is your Card. It is easy for sales staff to give you the wrong card when they are in a hurry.
• Ensure that you void and destroy any incorrect receipts for declined or failed transactions immediately.
• When charges on your Card are done manually please take your copy of the charge slip and destroy any carbon papers if used.

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 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 & 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.

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.

• 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 statement as soon you receive it. If you find a transaction on your statement that you did not make it. Contact American Express immediately.

Reporting Lost or Stolen Cards

If you lose your Cards or if your Card is damaged or stolen or if your PIN became available to any other person, inform American Express immediately by telephone on (+973) 17 557755. Please provide American Express with a written notification within 3 days to the following address:AMEX (Middle East) B.S.C. (c), P.O. Box 5990, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. Or fax: (+973) 17 557855.