Chip & PIN has been available on the continent for several years, but it is only now that UK retailers are starting to use it. Instead of signing your receipt, you input your PIN on a counter-top keypad. The system is being introduced to reduce levels of card fraud that have been associated with the relative insecurity of a combination of magnetic strip and signature.

These are some basic guidelines that will help you to improve on the security offered by this new system.

• Never write down your PIN. Amazingly, a large percentage of card users write down their PIN and even store it in their wallet. Others store it in their mobile phone. Considering all three of these items may be stolen at the same time, it makes sense not to follow this course of action.
• Don't tell anyone your PIN. This includes family and friends. Much cash card ATM fraud is committed by people close to the victim.
• Bank or Card Company staff will never ask your PIN number. Never reveal it over the phone or reply to emails requesting this information. You will have selected passwords or answers to questions to pass security with these institutions. Any attempt to obtain your PIN should be reported to your card issuer.
• Don't use obvious or "handy" PINs. Obvious PINs would include your or a family member's date of birth. Handy PIN's will include "1234" or "9999". Many card issuers do not allow such combinations.
• Don't use the same PIN for every card. A clever theif may observe your PIN in the supermarket and have a field day with the rest of your cards.

Finally, a word of caution. Not all retailers are fully aware of the new chip and PIN system themselves. One cashier requested the customer's PIN so that she could input it into the keypad herself. No doubt, hasty training was arranged for her after the customer refused and complained to the manager!

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