LOCAL AUTHORITIES REPORT INCREASE IN FRAUDULENT DEBIT CARD CALLS

A computer automated phone scam has impacted Illinois bank customers.  Debit card customers are receiving automated telephone calls stating their debit card account has been breached, and told they need to "reset" their information in order to use their account.

The scam works this way:  the telephone rings, and the caller ID shows "not available" or "private number".  An automated recording states, "Your debit card account has been breached.  You need to reset your account by following these steps."  The automated recording states to press "1" to begin.

By pressing "1" a computer tracking system has been activated.  The customer is then told to enter the 16-digit card number and the expiration date.  The automated voice then asks for the three digit Customer Verification Value Code (CVV code) located on the back of the card, followed by the four-digit PIN code.  The scammers now have all the information they need to access the debit card account.

It is important to remember not to give out personal information over the phone.  This includes passwords and PIN numbers. 

NO banks ever use an automated system to ask for this type of customer information.

If you believe you have unknowlingly participated in this scam, you are urged to contact the bank immediately.

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Important Debit Card information if you're traveling out of the United States 

During any time of year, NorthSide Community Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) want consumers to have the information they need before they leave home to keep their money safe.

Financial professionals agree that the safest and most convenient way to travel with your money is to take a small amount of cash with you. It’s also a good idea to carry a debit, credit or ATM card. These cards are convenient while traveling because they are easy to carry, easy to use and often offer the lowest fees and the best exchange rates.

However, travelers still need to plan ahead to be prepared. To help, we offer these tips to consumers about what they need to take care of before they take off:

• Let us know when and where you will be traveling to avoid account holds or transaction rejections when out-of-the-ordinary transactions are presented for processing or posted.
• If you're traveling overseas, keep in mind that ATMs in many countries only accept four-digit personal identification numbers (PINs) and some countries have keyboards with numbers only, while others do not acknowledge zeros. Ask your community bank if you should create a new PIN for your account before you take your trip.
• Carry a back-up card that you keep in a separate place. Families or couples may get even greater back-up coverage if each person takes a different card.
• Make copies of all the cards you’ll be carrying. Be sure to copy the front and back of the card. Take a copy with you and give a copy to someone you trust back home. Be sure to also include the security code for the card and the customer service phone number.
• Bring a list of emergency phone numbers, but remember, 800 numbers can only be used in the United States and Canada. Be sure to get a number for your bank that you can call if you’re out of the country.
• Check your balance before you leave. Know the limits on how much you can withdraw. Save all your receipts.
• Thoroughly check any ATMs that you use; fraudsters are increasingly altering the facades of ATMs in an effort to capture card data.  Ensure the card reader does not look tampered with and pull on it to ensure it’s not a layover.

For your protection against debit card fraud, NorthSide Community Bank has restricted transactions originating in countries with a high level of fraudulent transaction.

Click here to see a listing of restricted countries. If you are traveling to one or more of these countries just call us first!

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Click Here to learn about the expiration of the Temporary Full FDIC Insurance Coverage for Noninterest-Bearing Transaction Accounts.

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