Protecting Your Debit and Credit Card Information

Fraud Prevention Tips

Identity theft, check fraud and business fraud are not crimes that happen to other people or businesses--they affect us all. There are endless opportunities for a criminal to obtain the necessary information to commit identify theft and check fraud. Therefore, it's important to take a proactive role in protecting yourself and your business from financial crimes.

One financial crime that is on the rise is "skimming". Skimming is the duplication of your card information being reprogrammed to another card to make illegitimate purchases at restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, online etc. [Credit-Card---Lady-at-Gas-Pump-web-400x232] Skimming occurs when thieves place a skimming device to steal your card information on unattended card readers you use, such as ATMs or fuel pumps. Skimming also occurs when retailers are hacked due to weak security processes. At Metro Alliance Commercial & Investment Bank, we take fraud very seriously. We offer great solutions to help detect and prevent fraud.

Here are some services we offer and tips to help you protect your information and assets from criminals.

• Conduct thorough background checks on all potential employees -

  The key to committing fraud is the ability to deceive. Make sure you confirm information on job candidates before making a job offer.

• Enroll in Metro Alliance Purchase Alerts -

  Receive timely updates about your Metro Alliance Visa credit or debit card activity so you can act quickly to help reduce fraud and monitor your account, wherever you are. You can choose to receive alerts through text messages to your mobile device or by email.

• Enroll in Metro Alliance Mobile Card Fraud Alerts -

  Receive notification from us through a mobile text alert when there is potential fraud on your enrolled accounts.

• Reduce access to your personal information -

  Never give out credit card or personal information over the phone unless you have a trusted business relationship with the company and you have initiated the call. Do not give information to a stranger, even one claiming to be from your bank.Verify your credit report annually.

• Shred all received mail containing sensitive information -

  These include bank statements, canceled checks, credit card applications, credit card checks, and credit card statements.

• Keep a contact list -

  Keep a list or photocopy of all your credit cards, the account numbers, expiration dates and telephone numbers of the customer service and fraud departments in a secure place (not your wallet or purse) so you can quickly contact your creditors in case your cards have been stolen.

• Always take credit card receipts with you; don’t leave them on the table -

  Be sure your server picks up the original. Never toss them in a public trash container.

• Do not toss pre-approved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin without first tearing them into small pieces or shredding them -

  They can be used by "dumpster divers" to order credit cards in your name and mail them to their address. Do the same with other sensitive information like credit card receipts, unused bank deposit tickets, bank statements, phone bills and so on. Home shredders can be purchased in many office supply stores.

• Reduce the number of credit cards you actively use to a bare minimum -

  Carry only one or two of them in your wallet.

• Cancel all unused accounts -

  Even though you do not use them, their account numbers are recorded in your credit report that is full of data that can be used by identity thieves.

• Watch the mail when you expect a new or reissued card to arrive -

  Contact the issuer if the card does not arrive.

• Monitor accounts regularly for suspicious transactions -

  Report suspicious activity immediately by calling the number on the back of your card.

• Alert us when you plan to travel -

  Notify us through Online Banking or by calling the number on the back of your card.

• Use ATMs you are familiar with and watch for changes in appearance -

  Wiggle the card reader since most skimming devices are just an overlay and may be detached easily.

• Do not leave wallets/purses unattended in shopping carts or visible in your vehicle -

  Opportunistic thieves are out in force during the holidays.