Cardholder Fraud Education

Fraudsters have become increasingly adept at getting cardholders to share the information they need to commit fraud.  We would like to share some tips to help you keep your information safe.  Fraudsters use information stolen through data breaches (ex. Health insurance providers, reward program providers, credit bureaus, merchant terminals and social media sites just to name a few) as well as through malware programs possible downloaded to personal computers.  Here are some tips to help avoid compromising your information:

  • Any text alert you receive from us warning of suspicious activity on your card will NEVER include a link to be clicked. Never click on a link from a text that is supposed to be related to your debit card.  A valid notification regarding your card will provide information about the suspect transaction and ask you to reply to the text message with answers such as ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘help’ or ‘stop’ and will never include a link.
  • A text alert regarding your account will always be from a 5-digit number and NOT a 10-digit number resembling a phone number. Text caller IDs will be 20733 for standard notifications, or 37268 for other notifications.
  • A phone call from our Automatic dialer will only include a request for a cardholder’s Zip Code, and no other personal information, unless they confirm that a transaction is fraudulent. Only then will they be transferred to an agent who will ask questions to confirm their identity before going through their transactions.
  • At any time that you are uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us directly at 815-223-4300.
  • We will NEVER ask for your PIN or the 3-digit security code on the back of your card.
  • Fraudsters, posing as a card representative, often ask cardholders to verify fake transaction and when you say no, that you did not perform those transactions, the fraudster then says that your card will be blocked, a new card will be issued, and that they need the current card’s PIN to put on the new card. Many people believe this and provide their PIN.  Under no circumstances should you be asked, or should you provide your PIN.
  • Regularly check your account online for suspicious transactions, but especially if you are unsure about a call or text message you’ve received. If anything looks suspicious or unexpected contact us at 815-223-4300.