Using your ATM and Debit Cards Safely
- TO REPORT A LOST OR STOLEN DEBIT CARD CALL 1-800-472-3272.
- TREAT YOUR CARD LIKE CASH. Keep it in a safe place out of plain sight. Do not leave cards in the glove compartment of your car and never leave your purse or wallet unattended. Periodically check to make sure you have all your cards.
- ENSURE THAT YOU SIGN YOUR CARD ON THE SIGNATURE PANEL AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE IT.
- WHEN SELECTING A PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN), DO NOT CHOOSE NUMBERS AND LETTERS THAT CAN BE EASILY IDENTIFIED. Avoid using initials, phone numbers or birth dates.
- KEEP YOUR PIN A SECRET. Never write down or carry your PIN – memorize it or keep the number at home. Never disclose PIN numbers to anyone.
- NEVER DISCLOSE CARD INFORMATION (INCLUDING NUMBERS) OVER THE PHONE TO ANYONE, UNLESS YOU HAVE INITIATED THE CALL. No one needs to know your PIN, not even your financial institution.
- ALWAYS VERIFY THE TRANSACTION AMOUNT BEFORE SIGNING A SALES RECEIPT. Always check sales vouchers to verify that the amount on the customer copy of the receipt matches the amount recorded on the merchant copy. Be sure the transaction is complete and you have received a receipt and that your card has been returned before leaving. Always take your charge slips and tear up any carbons. If you received cash back, put it away before leaving the terminal.
- CHECK SALES VOUCHERS AGAINST YOUR MONTHLY BILLING OR ACCOUNT STATEMENTS TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN IDENTIFY ALL OF YOUR TRANSACTIONS. Verify that your monthly statement reflects the amount you authorized and that there are not any multiple charges. After you have reconciled your billing statements, tear up all receipts and discard them at home. Report any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity to your issuing bank immediately.
- MAKE CERTAIN YOUR INTERNET SHOPPING SITES ARE SECURE. Never disclose information about your card in response to an unsolicited email or request.
- KNOW WHO HAS ACCESS TO YOUR CARDS. If a family member borrows a credit card without your knowledge, you may be responsible for those purchases or cash withdrawals.
- PROTECT YOUR CARD’S MAGNETIC STRIPE. Do not expose your card’s magnetic stripe to magnetic objects.
- MAKE A RECORD OF CARD ACCOUNT NUMBERS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR REPORTING LOST OR STOLEN CARDS. KEEP THIS LIST IN A SAFE PLACE.
- SHRED PAPERS WITH ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION LISTED ON THEM. Especially shred credit card applications.
Using the ATM Safely
As issuers of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) access devices, we have provided for your information a list of safety precautions regarding the use of automated teller machines.
Please read the following safety precautions:
- When using walk-up or drive-up unmanned automated teller machines (ATMs) remain aware of surroundings, particularly at night, and exercise caution when withdrawing funds.
- Inspect an ATM before use for possible tampering, or for the presence of an unauthorized attachment that could capture information from the access device or your Personal Identification Number (PIN);
- Refrain from displaying cash and put it away as soon as the transaction is completed; and wait to count cash until you are in the safety of a locked enclosure, such as your car or home.
- Do not reveal your personal identification number (PIN) to others. Avoid allowing others to view your PIN entry into an ATM. Memorize your PIN and do not write your personal identification number or code on your ATM access device.
- Safeguard and protect your access device. Treat it as if it were cash, and if it has an embedded chip, keep the device in a safety envelope to avoid undetected and unauthorized scanning.
- Promptly report a lost or stolen access device and report all crimes to law enforcement officials immediately.
- If you observe suspicious persons or circumstances while approaching or using an ATM, do not use the machine or, if you are in the middle of a transaction, cancel the transaction, take the access device, leave the area, and come back another time or use an ATM at another location.
- Safeguard and securely dispose of ATM receipts.
- Do not surrender information about your access device over the telephone or over the Internet, unless to a trusted merchant in a call or transaction initiated by you.
- Promptly review your monthly statement and compare ATM receipts against your statement to protect against ATM fraud.
- If purchasing online with the access device, end transactions by logging out of websites rather than simply closing the web browser to protect against Internet fraud.