ATM\Debit Card Block on Foreign Transactions

The effective date of this block is March 29th, 2006.

The number of cards affected by this latest "card compromise", range anywhere from 200,000 credit/debit cards to well over 1,000,000 cards nationwide.  What makes this card theft different is that the debit card PINs were also stolen.  This allows counterfeit cards to be produced for use in ATMs.  According to industry experts, this type of international fraud has recently skyrocketed and has become the "theft of choice" by international criminals.  
 
After analyzing our member card usage, we found only a small handful of members have used their debit cards in foreign countries or for foreign purchases.  Since the block is "All Cards or Nothing", we felt it was more prudent to initiate the block and better protect the rest of our card holders from unauthorized access to their account information and/or theft of their account balances. 

For those of you who are affected by this block -- we apologize for any inconvenience.

Although this action will not eliminate all risk of counterfeit card fraud, it will significantly and effectively reduce our member’s risk and exposure to this new type of foreign crime.

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  Any ATM advances would also be charged against the credit card -- rather than withdrawn from personal savings.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

• Treat your card like cash. Keep it in a safe place.
   
• Keep your personal identification number (PIN) a secret. Never write it on your card or carry it in your purse of wallet.
   
• Do not disclose card information over the phone to anyone. No one needs to know your PIN, not even your financial institution.
   
• Never disclose information about your card in response to an unsolicited e-mail or request.
   
• 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.
   
• Protect your card's magnetic stripe. Do not expose your card's magnetic stripe to magnetic objects.
   
• Report a lost or stolen card at once. Call 1-888-849-6046
   
• 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)
   
• Carefully review your account statements.
   

ATM Safety

• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• Never allow a stranger to assist you in conducting an ATM transaction, even if you have trouble or if your card is stuck.
   
• Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your PIN or transaction amount.
   
• 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

• Keep the doors locked, windows up and engine running at all times when waiting in line.
   
• Leave enough room between cars to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary.
   
• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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

• Never allow the cashier or anyone else to enter your PIN for you, even if they are assisting you with the transaction.
   
• Block the view of others when using a POS terminal.
   
• Be sure the transaction is complete and you have received a receipt before leaving.
   
• If you received cash back, put it away before leaving the terminal.
   
• 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.
   
• It is a good idea to take someone with you when using an outdoor POS terminal at night.
   
• If anyone follows you after you have completed your POS transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.