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ATM/Debit Card
Information
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Card
Block: ATM\Debit
Card Block on Foreign Transactions
Until further notice, we
will no longer accept ATM or
Debit Card transactions from
any foreign
country (including Canada). This includes
foreign-based Internet
transactions.
This action is being taken in
order to protect our member
accounts from the increasing
frequency of "card
compromises" and the resulting
increase in fraudulent card
activity via foreign ATMs and
foreign retailers.
Although most "compromises" do
occur at U.S. based retailers
and/or card processors -- the
stolen data is quickly sold to
foreign criminals, who rapidly
hit the internet and/or ATM with
fraudulent cards.
We
know this action will
inconvenience some of our
members, but after researching
historic card usage, we found
that only a "handful" of members
have used their ATM/Debit Card
outside the United States -- yet
allowing foreign transactions
had exposed our entire ATM/Debit
Card population to this type of
fraudulent activity.
This action is proactive and
is
not in response to any
current fraudulent activity or losses at
our credit union.
The effective date of this block is March 29th, 2006. |
Card
Block: Car Rental Agencies
Due to continued member abuse of the lenient VISA
settlement regulations for car rental agencies, we have
been forced to block usage of our debit cards at all car
rental agencies.
Under current Visa settlement regulations, the credit
union is exposed to significant losses from members who
use their debit card to rent a car and then do not
return it on time or bring it back damaged. The
rental agency has a right to charge all losses against
the card (plus an extra 15% fee) -- even when the member
does not have sufficient funds in the account. The
credit union must then cover those charges and attempt
to recover the losses from the member -- who usually has
already closed the account -- thereby necessitating
legal action and more legal expenses.
Rather than expect the membership to
keep absorbing these losses, which could impact dividend
and/or loan rates, we have decided to close the door to
this type of abuse.
What
about when I travel abroad?
We suggest that you
either use a credit card or traveler checks. In
fact, many experts recommend that you do not
use a debit card in foreign countries. Why?
Because if it is lost or stolen, you could return home
to find that your accounts have been completely wiped
out. In contrast, a credit card would not allow
access to your personal accounts and therefore the
balances would be more secure. Any ATM advances
would also be charged against the credit card -- rather
than
withdrawn from personal savings.
Important Tips on ATM/Debit Card Safety and Loss
Prevention
ATM and
Debit Card Safety
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Treat your card like cash. Keep it
in a safe place.
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Keep your personal identification number (PIN) a
secret. Never write it on your card or
carry it in your purse of wallet.
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Do not disclose card information over the
phone to anyone. No one needs to know your PIN, not
even your financial institution.
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Never disclose information about your card
in response to an unsolicited e-mail or request.
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Make certain your Internet shopping sites are
secure. Look for the “https” in the
address and the “closed lock” on the
bottom right side of the webpage.
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Protect your card's magnetic stripe. Do
not expose your card's magnetic stripe to magnetic
objects.
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Report a lost or stolen card at once.
Call 1-888-849-6046
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Use our free Online Banking Service to
periodically review account transactions (see the
"Quick Click link" in the upper right hand corner of
this page)
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Carefully review your account statements.
ATM Safety
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Observe the ATM surroundings before
approaching a walk-up ATM. If anyone or anything
appears to be suspicious, cancel your transaction
and leave the area at once.
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If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit,
go to another ATM. It is a good idea to take along a
companion when using an ATM, especially at
night.
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Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your
card out and ready to use. Do not let
anyone see how much money you withdrew, and never
count your money at the ATM.
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Never allow a stranger to assist you in
conducting an ATM transaction, even if you have
trouble or if your card is stuck.
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Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting
to use the terminal so that others cannot see your
PIN or transaction amount.
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Look for possible fraudulent devices
attached to the ATM. If the ATM looks different
or appears to have any alterations or attachments to
the card slot or PIN pad, do not use it.
Drive-Up
ATM Safety
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Keep the doors locked, windows up and
engine running at all times when waiting in line.
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Leave enough room between cars to allow for a
quick exit should it become necessary.
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Before lowering the window to use a drive-up ATM,
observe the entire surrounding area. If
anyone or anything appears to be suspicious, cancel
your transaction and drive away at once.
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Minimize time spent at the ATM by
having your card out and ready to use. Once your
transaction is complete, take your money, card and
receipt and immediately drive away from the
terminal.
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If anyone follows you after you have completed
your ATM transaction, go immediately to a
crowded, well-lit area and call the police.
PIN Debit
Safety
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Never allow the cashier or anyone else to
enter your PIN for you, even if they are assisting
you with the transaction.
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Block the view of others when using a POS
terminal.
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Be sure the transaction is complete and
you have received a receipt before leaving.
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If you received cash back, put it
away before leaving the terminal.
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When using an outdoor POS terminal such as at a
gas station, observe your surroundings before
making a transaction. If anything looks suspicious,
leave the area at once.
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It is a good idea to take someone
with you when using an outdoor POS terminal at
night.
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If anyone follows you after you have completed
your POS transaction, go immediately to a
crowded, well-lit area and call the police.
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