Credit Card Security Issues in Ukraine

Ukraine operates primarily on a cash economy, and Ukrainian criminals are both sophisticated and increasingly technologically savvy.

Money scams range from the simple "dropped wallet", where a wallet is either left on the street or thrown down in front of the victim - when the victim picks up the wallet, the thieves claim the person stole money, even using compliant police accomplices to further intimidate the victim - to complex Internet scams involving well-known sites such as eBay.com.

Credit card fraud is one aspect of this growing crime. Unwary travelers have found both their physical credit cards and credit card numbers stolen. Retailers, bars, restaurants and even hotels are prime locations for credit card thieves. Usually, the cards are either used immediately or sold, often over the Internet. Victims have found huge charges on their cards made in countries they have never even visited.

To a lesser extent, ATM bankcards may also be misused in a similar manner. In a new twist on this type of crime, Ukrainian hackers have recently been discovered stealing credit card information directly from the Internet, then reselling the card numbers.

The simplest way to avoid becoming a victim of credit card fraud is to rely primarily on cash. Since this is not always practicable, there are several ways to minimize vulnerability:

• Use credit cards only as a last resort, and only in reputable locations.
• Make sure the clerk does not keep a copy of the card impression or copies down the number.
• When using a card, insure that no one can see the card number over your shoulder.
• Never leave cards in hotel rooms - lock them up in the hotel safe when available, or carry them with you in a safe place.

If you suspect your card has been compromised, immediately notify the issuing bank or agency. If you are an American citizen in Ukraine, you should also consider notifying the American Citizen Services Unit at the US Consular Section (telephone 490-4422).