Debit Card Security

debit card

Debit Card Monitoring:

Uwharrie Bank uses a series of risk-monitoring tools to help fight debit and credit card fraud. We assess the risk potential of each debit and credit card transaction before it is approved. Certain transactions, such as risky foreign transactions, foreign Internet transactions, and domestic transactions outside of Uwharrie Bank’s market area, could be declined based on the likelihood of fraud.

Text Alerts:

Uwharrie Bank adds another layer of security to your debit card with Text Alerts, a simple text communication that helps identify and stop fraud more quickly. You can also set up real-time card alerts through Online Banking or the Uwharrie Bank Mobile App.

Let Us Know When You Are Traveling:

If you are traveling, either domestically or internationally, please call 704-991-2800. By notifying us of your travel will allow for you to continue to use your card as needed without fraud rules blocking legitimate transactions.

Debit Card Security Tips:

Uwharrie Bank is dedicated to helping you protect your financial information. Below are security tips pertaining to your debit and credit card that can aid in avoiding fraud and identity theft:

Keep your debit cards in a safe place and give them the same consideration you would cash or checks.
If you receive a replacement debit card, be sure to destroy your old card.
Sign the back of your debit or credit card with permanent ink.
Unless you initiated the phone call, never provide your card number over the phone.
Do not include your debit card number in an email.
Use only secure websites – indicated by a lock symbol in the address bar next to the URL – when shopping online.
Always log off from a website and close your browser after making a debit card purchase.
Keep transaction receipts in a safe place or destroy them.
Select a unique PIN that is not connected to your everyday activities or life, such as birthdays or anniversaries.
Memorize your PIN and never share it with anyone.
Do not write your PIN on your debit or credit card.
Verify transactions on your account statement and inform us immediately if you find discrepancies.
Sign up for Debit Card Alerts through online banking.

Debit Card Skimming:

A skimmer is a malicious card reader attached to real payment terminals used by criminals to capture data from the magnetic strip on the back of a debit or credit card. These devices can be installed in minutes on an ATM, gas pump, or other point-of-sale machines. Criminals can use the collected card data to create cloned cards to steal money.

On ATMs, these devices are usually placed over or inside the slot where you insert a card, and are made to look like they belong there. Also, criminals usually install either a camera above or around the ATM or an electronic keypad that fits over the existing keypad to capture a PIN. These devices are designed so that they do not interfere with how an ATM functions. We constantly monitor the ATMs at all our branches to attempt to prevent such criminal activities, but you can also help by being constantly vigilant.

On gas pumps, skimmers can be hard to detect. Criminals can sometimes gain access to a gas pump key, which can be used at many pumps to install devices. In the past couple of years, skimming has advanced to include Bluetooth technology, which criminals use to keep from having to return to the gas pump to physically retrieve stolen data.

In some cases there are handheld devices, which can be used at places like restaurants where a waitperson scans the card when they take it to pay the bill.

Ultimately, the result is often fraudulent charges on your bank account.

Protection Against Skimming Fraud:

Safety suggestions when using your credit or debit card at ATMs and gas pumps:

Use EMV Chip When Possible
As stated before, the information on a card’s magnetic strip is stolen with skimmers. Using the chip on a EMV Chip card instead greatly reduces the chance that your data will be stolen.
Get Cash Back
Get cash back at the checkout when you visit a grocery store rather than using an unfamiliar or suspicious ATM.
Pay Inside for Gas
Opt to pay inside the gas station rather than risk your card information at the pump.
At the Table
At restaurants ask the waitperson to swipe your card at the table or go to the cashier to have the card swiped.
Do Your Online Banking or Shopping Only on Your Own Personal Computer
Protect your personal and financial information by avoiding public-use computers.
Watch for Altered ATMs
If anything on the front of the ATM looks unusual, loose or damaged, it could be a sign that someone has attached a skimming device.
Cover the Keypad
When you key in your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand to block anyone, or a camera from viewing the numbers you type in.

What to Do If a Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft:

If your Uwharrie Bank debit card has any unauthorized activity, contact us immediately at 800.438.6864

You may also contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus listed below and request that a fraud alert be placed on your file in order to notify them of potential fraudulent activity.