NEWS

The holidays are coming; and with them, the biggest shopping season of the year. As you browse online shops or trot from store to store in search of the perfect gift, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself against possible card theft and fraud—especially if you plan on using your debit card.

We have a few tips to help you keep your card, and your accounts, secure.

Shopping in Person

If you plan on shopping in person, the best way to protect yourself is to keep your card close to you. Make sure you put it in a secure place, where it won’t easily fall out or become lost, and don’t let it out of your sight during a transaction.

Other steps you can take include:

• Don’t Swipe: Instead, pay by tapping your card or by inserting it if you have a chip card. These methods are more secure and make it harder for scammers to steal your card information from a transaction.
• Shield Your Pin: If you have to enter your PIN, make sure to block lines of sight, so that the numbers you enter are visible to only you.
• Check the Terminal: If a card reader looks old, or odd, avoid using it. This can include things like a loose card slot or extra attachments, which may indicate that a fraudster has attached a skimmer—a device that copies and stores card information.
• Enable Alerts and Controls: Set up text alerts that confirm each transaction. This will help you confirm immediately the amount you’re spending and where the charge was made – as well as give you real-time notice of any unauthorized transactions. You can also use card controls that allow you to turn your card off if you suspect fraud, prevent your card from being used for large transactions, or restrict purchases to a specific geographical area.

Shopping Online

If you’re searching the web for holiday gifts, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

• Use Secure Websites: Make sure you are using sites that start with HTTPS, as this indicates a secure site. Double-check the web address to be sure it is spelled correctly, as some scammers spoof well-known sites using URLs that contain common misspellings.
• Monitor Your Account: Enable text alerts and double-check your account to make sure transactions are processing as they should, for the amount you anticipated.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Don’t shop OR open your bank’s mobile app or website while using public Wi-Fi. Scammers can easily pull your bank or card information from unsecured networks.
• Use Trusted Sites: Only purchase from trusted sites. If you are unfamiliar with a website or online retailer, avoid shopping there—even if they offer a better deal.

With these tips, you’re ready to shop till you drop! Check out our Security Center for more fraud safety tips. And, if you notice suspicious activity on your account, let us know immediately—you can reach out to your local banker or contact our Customer Care team at 1.800.205.3464.