EPX

Electronic Payment Exchange’s industry leading tokenization and encryption technologies protect payment data throughout the transaction lifecycle. Independent of EPX however, identity theft occurs constantly as a result of insecure consumer practices before any card data enters the transaction lifecyle. Therefore, it is important for credit and debit card users to practice high levels of safety when performing transactions.

Below is a list of important safety tips for credit and debit card users to follow:

• If you have applied for a new/replacement card, and have not received it within 14 business days, immediately contact your financial institution.
• Activate your new/replacement card once you receive it in the mail. Be sure to remove the sticker from the card once activated.
• Sign the back of the credit/debit card as soon as you receive it.
• Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Never write the PIN on the back of the debit card, or on a piece of paper and keep it in your wallet.
• Never share your PIN with anyone. No one from a financial institution, police, or any merchants should ask for your PIN.
• Never lend your credit/debit card to anyone. No one else should have access to it.
• Protect your credit/debit card as if it were cash! Never let your card out of your sight.
• Do not leave your credit/debit card in your vehicle.
• Report lost or stolen credit/debit cards immediately! During business hours, contact your local bank branch. Once you have received your new card, notify all merchants with whom you have set up automatic billing payments of the new card number.
• Be aware of others nearby when entering your PIN. Shield the screen or keyboard of the POS terminal or ATM machine to prevent those nearby from viewing your PIN entry or transaction amount.
• Do not volunteer any personal information when using your credit/debit card.
• Do not give you social security number, credit/debit card number, or any bank account information over the phone unless you have initiated the call, and you know that the business you are dealing with is reputable.
• Before leaving the cashier, make sure you receive your credit/debit card back after every purchase.
• Be careful with any receipts; do not leave them behind.
• Always check your sales receipt for the correct purchase amount prior to signing. Keep copies of your sales and ATM receipts for future reference.
• Verify the purchase amount on each receipt with the transaction amounts on the bank statements.
• If you do not receive your monthly statement within a timely manner, contact your financial institution.
• Contact your local financial institution for any changes made to your address or phone number. Keep your contact information current at all times so that your bank can contact you when necessary.
• Shred all credit/debit card receipts or confidential information prior to placing it in the trash.
• If you receive credit card applications in the mail, shred them before placing them in the trash. This prevents anyone from filling out the application in your name and receiving the card. If you choose to fill out an application, make sure the application is from a reputable financial institution.
• Shred all expired credit/debit cards before placing them in the trash. Some paper shredders are capable of shredding the cards, or use a pair of scissors to cut the cards up into small pieces.
• Keep track of every credit/debit card owned. Keep a confidential list of issuer telephone numbers in a secure location.
• Avoid carrying extra credit/debit cards in your wallet or purse. Carry only the cards that you use frequently.
• Never send payment information via email. Go directly to the web site and log into your account.
• When making a purchase online, make sure you are using a secured browser. All reputable merchant web sites use an encryption technology that protects your personal data from being compromised by others while conducting online transactions.
• Never provide your credit/debit card as proof of age. A credit/debit card does not contain information that verifies the card holder’s age. Some merchants my request the card number, show them your driver’s license instead.
• Avoid using your PIN when using your debit card to make a purchase. It is best to just run the debit card like a credit card.
• Be aware of emails that request personal data such as: PINs, Social Security Number (SSN), personal passwords, mailing address, or phone numbers. Plus emails that send you to a web site that request such information. Best thing to do is to delete the email.
• Be aware of solicitors posing as representatives from a credit card or financial institution, calling to tell you that there has been some fraudulent activity on your account and requests your account number, PIN number, social security number or the three digit code located on the back of your card. If a financial institution contacts you due to suspicious activity, they would never ask for personal information to verify your transaction. Best thing to do is hang up and contact your bank institute to verify the status of your account.
• When using an ATM machine, observe the surrounding area. If the machine is obstructed from view, or poorly lit, locate another ATM machine to perform your transaction. Report the condition to the financial institution responsible for that ATM machine.
• Prior to using an ATM machine, be sure to inspect the card reader area for evidence of tampering. If there is evidence of tampering, contact the owner of the ATM to report the problem.
• When using a drive-through ATM machine, make sure that all passenger windows are closed, and the doors are locked. This will prevent anyone form accessing your card while performing a transaction.
• If using an indoor ATM machine that requires you to use a card to gain access, do not allow any unknown individuals in with you.

If credit and debit card users would perform at least half of these suggested security tips, the number of identity thefts and fraudulent transactions happening each day would be reduced.

For additional information about identity theft, click here.