Canadians use their banking cards millions of times each day for purchases and cash withdrawals from Automated Banking Machines (ABM’s). In fact, Canadians are one of the biggest users of debit and ABM’s in the world. With the Interac shared services, cardholders have convenient access to their cash 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
While Interac shared services are among the most secure in the world, debit card fraud can occur. Interac Association and its members continue to work together to protect cardholders from debit card fraud and remind them to protect their Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Debit card fraud incidents are rare when compared to the billions of transactions that take place at an ABM and at the point-of-sale. In excess of 18 million Canadians use their debit cards monthly with virtually no problems.
However, any debit card fraud is of concern. Interac Association and its members are working to combat these incidents on several fronts. As part of this, the Association has identified the need to increase the awareness of PIN security among cardholders to help prevent debit card fraud in Canada.
Your banking card and PIN are the keys to your account(s). They are both required to complete a transaction so you should keep them in a safe place and never lend them to anyone. Even if criminals get access to your card, they need the PIN to get access to your money – so remember to protect your PIN.
Use your hand or body to shield your PIN when you are conducting transactions at an Automated Banking Machine (ABM) or at a point-of-sale terminal.
Never let your MemberCard out of your sight when conducting a transaction at the point-of-sale. Always remember to take your banking card and transaction record with you once your transaction is complete. Don’t leave receipts of your transactions with clerks or put them in the garbage at store or purchase locations or at an Automated Banking machine location.
Regularly check your statements and balances to verify all transactions have been properly documented. If entries do not accurately reflect transaction activities, for example, if there are missing or additional transactions, contact us.
If your Horizon Credit Union MemberCard is lost, stolen or retained by an Automated Bank Machine (ABM or ATM), notify us immediately upon becoming aware of the problem. After hours call 1-800-LOST111 (1-800-567- 8111) .
Your MemberCard and PIN are the keys to your account(s). Never disclose your PIN to anyone or you could be liable for losses. You are the only person who should know it.
Memorize your PIN – it’s your electronic signature. If you suspect that someone knows your PIN, change it immediately or contact Horizon Credit Union to cancel the card. After hours call 1-800-LOST111 (1-800-567- 8111).
When selecting your PIN, never use obvious information. You could be liable for losses if you create your PIN by using your telephone number, date of birth, address or social insurance number.