What should you do before checking the data printed on a card?

Before checking the data printed on a card, examining the card is essential as it allows you to verify its condition and authenticity. This step involves looking for any physical signs of tampering, wear, or damage that could indicate that the card is not legitimate. By ensuring the card is in proper form and looking for specific identifying features, such as holograms or watermarks, you can be more confident in the accuracy of the data that you are about to review. This careful examination can help prevent errors and protect sensitive information or processes associated with the card's use.

While asking for the card, observing the person, or determining timing may be relevant in other contexts, they do not directly address the immediate necessity of ensuring the card's integrity before proceeding to read any data.