Blog

ATM and debit card fraud are on the rise. In order to keep your debit card and money safe, you’ll need to keep your PIN, or Personal Identification Number, confidential. The credit union is doing everything we can to keep your money safe, but there are some steps that you can take to ensure that your debit card information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. 

1. Choose a PIN that’s difficult to guess 
   Try to use a PIN that is unique and not easy to guess. Avoid using the last four digits of your phone number, your birth year, or other common PINs like 1234, 1111 or other repeating numbers. Random numbers work best and are harder to guess. 

2. Don’t share your PIN
   You should be the only one that knows your PIN. Don’t share it with anyone else, or give it out over text, the phone, or email. 

   We will never ask you for your PIN number over the phone or in an email. Even if you receive a text, phone call or email stating there is suspicious activity on your account, don’t reveal your PIN number. Call us immediately at 618-258-3168 or 800-345-4216 if you suspect you’ve received a fraudulent call, text or email. 

3. Memorize your PIN
   Don’t write down your PIN or save it in your phone. If someone sees the piece of paper or gains access to your phone, they’ll have access to your debit card and your money. 

4. Check the ATM before use
   Before you use the ATM, check for anything unusual like fake keypads, hidden cameras, or crooked parts. All of these are common signs of by criminals trying to steal your PIN and information. 

5. Shield the keypad when using the ATM
   When using the keypad on an ATM, always cover the keypad with your hand so that wandering eyes or a hidden camera can’t make out your PIN. If you’re using a drive up ATM, it’s still important to shield the keypad and your hand as fraudsters have reportedly started focusing on drive up ATMs as a new source for their dishonest activity. 

6. Take your ATM receipt
   Always take your ATM receipt so that your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. To further ensure that your information stays safe, shred the receipt when you return home. 

The credit union wants to help you keep your debit card and your money safe. With the tips above, you can make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your PIN and debit card secure.