Protect your wallet from debit and credit card fraud
Recognizing debit and credit card fraud is important to keep your bank account safe. Use our tips to protect your PINs, passwords and cards from scams and vulnerable situations.
4-minute read
Share
What you need to know
Be careful when you use your debit and credit card at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals and know where they are at all times.
Get to know our account alerts feature to help protect your accounts.
Keep your card information and PIN to yourself. Don't share or write down any details and only deal with trusted vendors and merchants.
Skimming devices can be illegally attached to ATMs and point-of-sale terminals to copy debit and credit card numbers when you swipe or insert your card. Fraudsters also use hidden cameras to capture PINs.
Card not present (CNP)
Fraudsters may attempt to make fraudulent purchases online, over the phone or by mail using stolen card numbers and PINs. Many online merchants ask for the 3-digit CVV (card verification value or card security code) number to confirm authenticity.
Lost or stolen card
Fraudsters can make unauthorized transactions on your missing debit and credit card. It's important to report a lost or stolen card right away so we can help stop any unauthorized use.
Identity theft
Fraudsters can use your card to make transactions without you knowing. They can use stolen debit and credit cards or personal information, or get new credit cards by applying with stolen personal information.
Understand the safeguards behind fraud prevention
Learn how the technology we invest in and the self-serve features we offer can help protect your debit and credit cards from fraud.
Use alerts to track transactions and new activity on your account, such as password changes and new Interace-Transfer® contacts. Customize and manage your alerts through online and mobile banking. If you receive an alert about suspicious activities in your account or a transaction or account change you didn't make, let us know.
Cards with chip technology use an embedded microchip to encrypt information, making it harder for unauthorized users to copy or access your data. Chip technology is widely used by businesses around the world. To use the chip reader, insert your card instead of swiping or tapping it when paying.
Follow our best practices to protect yourself
Keep your PIN safe. Don't write down your PIN or share it with anyone. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN at an ATM or point-of-sale terminal.
Make your PIN unique and difficult to guess. Don't include information that's obvious or confidential, such as birthdates, phone numbers, addresses or your SIN.
Keep your card within sight at all times. Remember to take your card and transaction record with you once you complete your transaction.
Sign the back of a new or replacement card as soon as you get it. Cut up or shred your old card.
Reduce your daily transaction and withdrawal limits if you feel they're too high. This could limit the amount of money stolen through debit and credit card fraud.
Only provide card information to verified and reputable merchants. When using your card online, make sure the connection is secure.
Don't provide card information over the phone unless you've initiated the call.
Report stolen and lost debit and credit cards to us right away.
Our promise for your money
If you've been affected by fraud and have done everything in your power to keep your accounts safe, we'll help you get your money back. To learn more about the security guidelines for your accounts, review our Online Security Guarantee.
Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.
Contact us right away if you received a suspicious email or notice any unauthorized activity on your account.