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6 Important Tips to Avoid Credit Card Fraud

Posted by Freedom First Credit Union on Aug 12, 2019 11:56:40 AM
Freedom First Credit Union

Credit_Security-1080x1080-1Fraudsters have become increasingly adept at getting cardholders to share the information they need to commit fraud by posing as financial institution call center agents, or by sending text messages that look like they are coming from your institution, warning of suspicious transaction activities. They are also known to call in to call centers posing as cardholders requesting changes to card information and parameters.

The fraudsters do this by using information stolen through data breaches at health insurance providers, reward program providers, credit bureaus, merchant terminals, and social media sites, as well as through malware programs deployed on personal computers, to mention just a few. Stolen personally identifiable information (PII) is combined with stolen card information, resulting in sufficient information to create profiles that fraudsters can use to position themselves as the actual cardholders.

 

What can you do?

Here are 6 tips and rules of thumb to go by that can help protect yourself from credit card fraud.
 

1. Beware of Links in SMS Messages

A text alert from us warning of suspicious activity on your card will NEVER include a link to be clicked. Never click on a link in a text message that is supposedly from us. A valid notification will provide information about the suspect transaction and ask the cardholder to reply to the text message with answers such as ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘help’, or ‘stop’. It will never include a link.
 

2. Take Note of the SMS Sender

A text alert from us about your credit card will always be from a 5-digit number and NOT a 10-digit number resembling a phone number. However, for deposit notifications you may see a 10-digit number. When in doubt, you can always send a secure message through online banking or call our contact center at 540-389-0244 (866-389-0244 toll free).
 

3. Be Wary of Giving Information to Unfamiliar Callers

A phone call from our institution’s automated dialer will only include a request for your zip code, and no other personal information, unless you confirm that a transaction is fraudulent. Only then will you be transferred to an agent who will ask questions to confirm that you are the actual cardholder before going through your transactions with you.
 
If at any point you are uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us directly. If a call is received by the cardholder, claiming to be our call center and asking to verify transactions, no information should have to be provided by the cardholder other than their zip code, and a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the transaction provided.
 
Lost/Stolen Debit Card: (800) 472-3272
Lost/Stolen Credit Card: (855) 609-3628
Freedom First Contact Center: (540) 389-0244 local | (866) 389-0244 toll-free
 

4. Don't Give Out Your PIN or Security Code

We will NEVER ask you for your PIN or the 3-digit security code on the back of your card. Don’t give them out to anyone, no matter what they say. Hang up and call us directly.
 
Fraudsters will often ask cardholders to verify fake transactions. When the cardholder says no, they did not perform those transactions, the fraudster then says that their card will be blocked, a new card will be issued, and that they need the card’s PIN to put it on the new card. Many people believe this and provide their PIN. The 3-digit CV2 code on the back of the card will allow a fraudster to conduct card-not-present transactions.
 

5. Monitor Your Transactions

Regularly check your account online to see if there are any suspicious transactions that have occurred, but especially If you are unsure about a call or text message you’ve received. If anything looks amiss, call us directly for assistance.
 
If you use the free app CardValet® you can set up text notifications for transaction amounts, transaction locations, or even specific retailers. You can also turn your card off if you suspect it's been compromised, and it's easy to turn it back on if it's still safe.
 

6. When in Doubt, Call Us for Help

If you have received a voice- or a text-message from us and are unsure about responding to it, call us directly for assistance. You can also send a secure message through online banking at any time.

 

Topics: Security, Tips & Tricks

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