From Ion Bank: Protect Yourself against Debit Card Skimmers

From Ion Bank

With the heightened surge of electronic skimming devices being installed on store checkout terminals, we recommend you use the contactless/tap-to-pay feature of your debit card instead of inserting a card into a chip reader, whenever possible. Contactless payments are faster and more secure with no chance of your magnetic stripe data being compromised and no PIN is needed if you pay as credit, not debit.

The skimming devices are used to obtain credit and debit card information along with sensors to capture PINs (Personal Identification Numbers). Currently the most targeted devices are self-service registers at convenience stores, gas stations, and retail stores but any terminal can be targeted.

Please take these steps to help protect yourself from debit card fraud and identity theft.

• Monitor your bank accounts daily for any unauthorized transactions
• Set a Card Alert in iBanking or Mobile App - Banking Services/Manage My Alerts
• Review your contact information for Text & Email Alerts - My Profile/Update Phone Number &/or Change Email Address. You will receive a text alert from 37-268 if we suspect fraud on your card.
• Protect your debit card with Mastercard ID Theft Protection - Enroll your Ion Bank Debit Mastercard now at mastercardus.idprotectiononline.com/enroll/home
• Place a credit freeze on your credit report, for more information visit https://www.usa.gov/credit-freeze
• Please be extra vigilant - Ion Bank will never contact you to ask you to confirm your account number, card number, PIN or password via phone or email

Keeping your assets and personal information safe and secure is a top priority of ours. We want to help prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud.

If you suspect debit card fraud or identity theft, please call us right away at 203.729.4442.

Robert J. Voets, CFCI, CCCI
Vice President, Financial Crimes