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Fraud Prevention

Fraud Prevention

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Debit Card Fraud

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InFirst Bank Tips to Fend Off Debit Card Fraud

Debit and credit card fraud happens in various ways. You can’t always stop it, but you can create obstacles that make it difficult for someone to get a hold of your card numbers. One of the best ways to stop potential misuse is to treat your credit cards like you would cash – with extreme caution.

Credit card fraud has become the most common form of identity theft. Be especially aware during the holiday season as it’s a popular time of year for identity thieves to target victims.

Take a look at these tips below to help keep your wallet safe this season.

  • Review your monthly statements to help spot irregularities early
    Monitor your account online or on your InFirst Bank app to see your transactions in real time. If you notice a transaction that doesn’t look familiar, report it in a timely manner.
  • Receive debit card transaction alerts
    A helpful and convenient way to monitor to your debit card transactions is to set up for alerts so that you can be notified via text immediately when a transaction has been made on your card. You also have the ability to turn your card off and on instantly with a click right from your smartphone or PC should you need to.
  • Look for the padlock icon and “https” in the address bar
    Before entering your information on a website, take this extra step for peace of mind knowing that the site you are entering is safe and secure.
  • Change online passwords for online shopping
    If you keep your information saved on an online store, make sure your password is strong and unique – using upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use the same password for every account that you have and avoid reusing your password.
  • Never share your PIN, passwords or online banking credentials with anyone
    Never provide your PIN, User ID, or Passwords to anyone, even if the call or text appears to be from the bank. The bank will never ask you to provide this information. This is called Phone Number Spoofing. Instead, you should contact the bank directly by using a trusted telephone number and a representative will help you verify if the call or text was a scam.
  • Only use networks you know and trust
    Just because the Wi-Fi at your favorite coffee house is public, doesn’t mean it’s safe. You should only bank and shop on secure websites with private Wi-Fi.
  • Be sure you sign out of accounts
    Logging out of accounts may seem like a no-brainer, but leaving an open connection provides an opportunity for identity thieves to obtain your personal information. When in doubt, sign out.
  • Inform the bank of your travel plans
    If you’re leaving for vacation, let the bank know. This helps keep your card from being declined when you try to use it out of state.
  • Stay Vigilant to Prevent Debit Card Fraud
    As soon as you realize your card has been compromised, first, turn off your debit card via your online bank account, or using the InFirst Bank app on your smartphone. Then call the number on the back of your card. You may be asked to submit an affidavit of fraud, which states that you did not make the purchases or withdrawals that are the subject of the affidavit.

 

As always, if you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at (800)349-2814.

<small>Fend Off Debit Card Fraud</small>

MICROSOFT STORE AND VISA SCAM ALERT

If you see a “Point of Sale” (POS) on your bank statement that has the information below – DO NOT CALL THE 800 NUMBER.

 Point of Sale Withdrawal/
Microsoft*Store 800-642.7676
MSBILL.INFO WAUS
(Date)

 The amount of the debit can vary but it is usually under $10.00. Most instances are in the amount of $8.70.

  •  RED FLAG #1 – If you call the number you will hear a message that “your information will be shared with other countries not for training purposes.”
  • RED FLAG #2 – The message will direct you to a web site
  • RED FLAG #3 – Once on the site there is a message “If you wish to talk to a customer service representative, please enter your credit card information.”

 

Click HERE to view a brochure from the FTC on how to avoid a scam. There is also additional links below that our customers can go to learn about and report  fraud:

 

Get more detail about data breaches
The impact of a data breach that involves your personal information can go beyond financial information. To learn more about what’s involved and the best strategies if your information has been part of a breach, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information site.

Customer Responsibilities
  • Review your account statement regularly and promptly report any fraudulent activity.
  • Create a complex Online Banking password. Use a combination of letters, both capital and lowercase, numbers and symbols.
  • Protect your Online Banking ID and password. If you share this information with someone, all transactions they initiate are considered as authorized by you, even for transactions you did not intend for them to make.
  • Never leave your computer or mobile device unattended during an Online Banking session. Sign off from Online Banking and mobile banking when you are finished with each session by using the ‘Logout’ button.
  • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information.
  • Never give out personal information over the phone or Internet unless you are certain you know who you are dealing with.
  • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails.
  • Inspect your credit report for inaccurate data. You can obtain a free report by visiting annualcreditreport.com
Additional Steps for Commercial Accounts

Perform your own risk assessment, evaluating both risks and controls in your environment regarding online banking and/or remote deposit capture. Be sure to consider:

  • Assigning individuals their own unique usernames/passwords
  • The possibility of internal fraud or theft
  • Delays in terminating the rights of former employees
  • Segregating duties so that dual control is in place
  • Conducting employee background checks
  • Conducting internal or third party audits
  • Using firewalls and up to date anti-virus protection to prevent outside intrusion