“Many of us do enjoy being able to see all our accounts online at a glance, including our growing KiwiSaver balance. The performance of the banks’ funds is also a factor worth taking into account.”
Law and Order Select Committee
New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope said: “Banks take their obligations under the act very seriously.
“We’re aware that one of the consequences of banks implementing the law is that some customers providing money remittance services have had their accounts closed.”
“As we have raised previously in discussions with you, the Code is not drafted in plain language despite the fact that the Code itself requires lenders to provide documentation drafted in plain language to assist customers,” NZBA says in its submission.
Financial Markets Authority
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Contracts should be viewed in the context of the consumer credit law within which they operate, rather than in isolation, the New Zealand Bankers’ Association said.
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association is urging people to beware of card fraud over the holidays.
“It’s that time of the year when people are getting into the festive spirit, doing their Christmas shopping and anticipating the New Year sales. At this busy time it pays to keep your guard up when using your bank and credit cards,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope.
“Fraudsters love the festive season and will look for every opportunity to take advantage of busy shoppers and people having a few drinks out with friends and family.”
So whether you’re using an EFTPOS terminal to buy gifts, getting cash from an ATM, or buying a round at your local pub, here are some tips on how you to keep your card safe:
- Guard your card. Treat it like cash. Don’t leave it lying around. Make sure you know where your card is at all times.
- Protect your PIN. Never tell anyone your PINs or passwords – not even the police, bank staff, friends or family.
- Cover up. When entering your PIN number at ATMs and EFTPOS terminals, shield the PIN pad with your other hand. Criminals may ‘skim’ your card details by attaching a device to the card reader, and then ‘shoulder surf’ or use hidden cameras to record your PIN.
- Check your statements. Advise your bank immediately of any unauthorised transactions.
“Banks work hard to protect their customers from financial crime. But it requires a joint effort. By protecting your card and PIN, you’re helping protect yourself and your money.
“Your bank will reimburse any losses if you’re the genuine victim of fraud. That promise doesn’t override your responsibility to protect access to your accounts. If, for example, you give your PIN number away, you won’t be covered,” cautions Hope.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
“Only 3 per cent of New Zealand credit card holders pay the minimum each month,” he said. “That’s compared to 13 to 14 per cent in the US and UK. More than half of New Zealanders who have credit cards pay off their balance in full each month, while only a third in the US do.”