Disclosures

SKIMMERS

Criminals steal your account number by using a "skimmer." A skimmer is a device installed on an ATM card insert slot. It may look like an attachment to the ATM but can be ill-fitting, glue-spotted, and a different color than the rest of the ATM. The skimmer reads the card number from the magnetic strip on the back of the card and stores it for the criminal to retrieve later. These devices cannot read the information on an EMV "chip" card. A small camera attached to the ATM, hidden from view, is focused on the keypad, allowing the criminal to capture the PIN of the unsuspecting cardholder. Once this date is collected, the criminal can copy it to a bank card and access your money. If an ATM appears to have an extra piece on it or looks like it has been tampered with, go to another ATM. The good news is Skimmers don't work on chip-based cards; the bad news is criminals have developed new tools called "shimmers" that do.

SHIMMERS

Shimmers are paper-thing devices inserted into ATMs that can read the card number even if it has a chip. Unlike the skimmer, you can't see the device on the outside of the machine. Shimmers can read the numbers on EMV cards, unlike skimmers. These devices are more difficult to avoid because they are undetectable when looking at the ATM. However, there are ways to reduce your risk.

The following is a list of tips that can help protect your data and your money from thieves:

1. Protect Your PIN Code

Always cover the keypad with your hand when using an ATM. Hidden cameras can be placed anywhere to steal your PIN number. Never use an ATM if someone else is standing near you, and never write your PIN down. Always inspect the ATM and the keypad before using an ATM. Never share your PIN with anybody.

2. Monitor ATM Behavior

Pay attention to anything that seems unusual about the ATM. If it is unusually slow, freezes, or asks for your PIN twice, it has most likely been tampered with. Try using a different ATM to be on the safe side.

3. Check the Keypad

Fraudsters can also place an overlay on the keypad that collects your PIN data. If you see anything that looks like an extra piece on the keypad or anywhere else, walk away.

4. Use Well-lit ATMs with Safe Surroundings

Avoid ATMs that are not bank or credit union-owned. Go during business hours instead of late at night, as theft is less likely. ATMs at tourist spots are notorious for card fraud. Use travel or credit cards when traveling out of town or to tourist spots.

5. Use a Credit Card

While skimming can happen to anyone, it is more likely to occur on debit card users as it is significantly easier to skim from them. Try using a credit card instead. If your credit card information is compromised, the criminal is not taking all your available cash. Once it is proven that your credit card information is stolen, you are not liable for any debt that might have been incurred in your name while it was compromised.

Best Practices for Everyday Account Security

1. Sign up for account alerts on HomeBanking or Mobile Banking.

Get alerts on withdrawals, deposits, daily balances, customized alerts, and more! Be aware of your account activity. Get alerts on your Mastercard or ScoreCard, too. Access your TCCU credit card information in HomeBanking by clicking Credit Card Services in the left-hand menu. In Mobile Banking, tap on the "hamburger menu” icon on the bottom right. Tap on "Credit Card Login" and select your card number to access your Mastercard. Tap on the menu and select "Alerts" to set up your notifications.

2. Manage Your Card Online

TCCU has a free tool called the Card Manager App to help you control, track, and alert you of the activity on your debit card. If your card is missing, you can suspend transactions on the card until it's found. You can also set spending limits, set location rules, view transactions, see merchant types, and monitor card users. Search for Torrance CCU Card Manager at your app provider.

3. Keep Less Cash in Your Account

Another way to avoid losing large sums is to keep as little cash in your checking account as possible. If your data gets stolen, the thief will only get access to a small amount of money, which can be reimbursed if you promptly notify your financial institution.

At TCCU, your financial security is a top priority. We will never call you and request your account numbers, PIN numbers, authorization codes, or any other sensitive account information. We will never ask you for this information by email or text. TCCU is continually working to keep your accounts safe from fraud. We strongly recommend monitoring your account activity regularly.

If you suspect your card or your account has been compromised, contact the Credit Union Immediately at (310) 618-9111.