Don't Let Your Guard Down When Carrying Out Transactions

Fraudsters have evolved their schemes to steal financial and personal information whether your transactions are conducted online or in-person. Follow these simple tips to help minimize the possibility of it happening to you.

Gas Pumps
Fraudsters are notorious for placing skimming or shimming devices where you insert your card to capture credit and debit card data. You should:

• Inspect the card reader - check to see if anything is loose or missing
• Check the security tape over the access door to the pump - if it's missing or appears broken opt for paying inside or pick another pump
• Conceal or cover the key pad when entering your zip code and/or PIN
• Consider using your digital wallet apps (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or Android Pay) rather than your card

ATMs
These have also been targeted with skimmers, keypads and cameras to steal card and PIN information. In addition to using the tips listed for gas pumps, you can:

• Avoid visually displaying money received from the ATM - put your money away as soon as possible
• Keep vehicle doors locked and passenger windows rolled up when using a drive-up ATM

In-Person/Point of Sale
These transactions can provide perceived security, but don't be too quick to let your guard down. Here's a few ways to help ensure you aren't a victim:

• Be sure to fill in any blank lines on purchase receipts, like the tip or total lines
• Use the security built into your card - if you card has a chip then always insert it into the terminal rather than swiping (when possible) or always tap your contactless card

Online Purchases
Even these types of transactions can open the door to fraudsters. Here's a few best practices for buying online:

• Use a secure connection
• Determine the trustworthiness of the site by verifying the URL, checking reviews, etc.
• Use mobile or online banking or card monitoring services to ensure the transactions clearing your account are legit
• Avoid making purchases via social media platforms - openly sharing information on social media can provide an identity thief with the necessary information to impersonate you, including answering challenge questions
• Turn off your internet browser's autocomplete settings so it doesn't store your account numbers and personal information

Mobile Wallets
These apps hold your credit and/or debit card information so you can use your smart phone to make purchases by a simple scan or tap. Here's a few tips to keep your mobile wallet secure:

• Never leave your mobile device unattended
• Do not use mobile payment services over an unsecured Wi-Fi network
• Use multi-factor authentication if available - this involves using more than one authentication method, such as a password and a one-time password token or biometrics (i.e. finger print or facial recognition)
• Install and maintain security software or an app on your mobile device that can help you find or lock your device from any computer or tablet and wipe sensitive information, like mobile wallet credentials from your device

If you ever feel that your account or card information has been compromised, please do not hesitate to contact us at 901-380-7400 or stop by any of our banking centers for assistance.