Here are some tips to help you safeguard your PIN:

1. Use your hand or body to shield your PIN when you are conducting transactions at the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), or when making Point of Sale (POS) transactions at retail stores. Avoid potential "shoulder surfing".
   
2. Never let your banking card out of your sight when conducting a POS transaction. Only allow your card to be swiped once and always remember to take your banking card and transaction record with you once your transaction is completed.
   
3. Regularly check your statements and balances to verify all transactions have been properly documented. If entries do not accurately reflect transaction activities, for example, if there are missing or additional transactions, you should contact your Financial Institution immediately.
   
4. If your banking card is lost, stolen or retained by an ATM, notify your Financial Institution immediately upon becoming aware of the problem.
   
5. Your banking card and PIN are the keys to your account(s). Never disclose your PIN to anyone. Keep your card in a safe place and never lend it to anyone.
   
6. Memorize your PIN - it's your electronic signature. If you suspect that someone knows your PIN, change it immediately or contact your Financial Institution immediately to cancel the card. It is strongly recommended you do not write down your PIN.
   
7. When selecting your PIN, never use obvious information such as your telephone number, date of birth, address or social insurance number.
   
8. Only conduct ATM transactions when & where you feel secure. If you think someone is watching what you are doing, or you feel uncomfortable, do not use your card, or cancel the transaction, and find an alternate location.
   
9. If you suspect that someone may have obtained your PIN number or account number, please contact your Financial Institution immediately, request your card be cancelled and have a new one issued.
   
10. Avoid using your banking card at remote/small locations.
    
11. In a proven case of fraud, victims are protected by the Canadian Code of Practice for Debit Card Services and will not suffer any financial losses. The Code is available on Industry Canada's Web site at: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inoca-bc.nsf/en/ca01581e.html
    (Each case is reviewed on an individual basis by your Financial Institution.)