Aldergrove Credit Union

Protect Yourself from Debit Card Fraud

With the increase in identity theft and debit card (also referred to as your MemberCard) fraud, be aware of what fraudsters are doing and know the do’s and don’ts of what you need to do to protect yourself.

What is Debit Card Skimming?

Card skimming occurs when the electronic information contained on your MemberCard debit card is stolen and counterfeited and used to obtain funds from your account without your authorization. Hidden equipment, such as pin-hole cameras and card reading devices, are installed to obtain your PIN and card data, and the stolen data is then encoded onto a counterfeit card, which is used to withdraw funds without your knowledge.

What’s Your Responsibility?

As an Aldergrove Credit Union MemberCard holder, it’s your responsibility to protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN) as well as practice the tips below in order to protect yourself from this type of fraud.

How to Protect Yourself - Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

  • Memorize your PIN. Your PIN is your electronic signature. If you disclose your PIN to someone else, you could be held liable for losses
  • Change your PIN immediately if you suspect someone knows your PIN
  • Change your PIN regularly
  • Keep your MemberCard in a safe place and do not lend it to anyone, including friends or family
  • Use your hand or body to shield your PIN when you are conducting transactions at an ATM or at a point-of-sale terminal
  • Keep your eye on your MemberCard when conducting a transaction at point-of-sale and only allow your card to be swiped once
  • Check your transaction records against your financial statements regularly
  • Keep a low limit on the amount of funds you can withdraw at an ATM as it contributes to your protection. If your card information is jeopardized, the perpetrator only has access to limited funds therefore reducing your potential liability
  • When using an ATM, if you suspect anything unusual, do not use the machine and report it to the financial institution immediately
  • Be alert. If someone is watching you or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine
  • Contact your branch immediately or call 1-800-567-8111 if you detect any unusual activity or if your MemberCard is lost, stolen or retained at an ATM

Don'ts:

  • Pick an obvious or common PIN. Numbers like your address, telephone number, date of birth, etc. are all easy to find out. Choose something more complicated. If you don’t you could be held liable for losses
  • Disclose your PIN to anyone, even friends or family
  • Use an ATM or point-of-sale machine that has been physically altered
  • Let your MemberCard leave your sight when conducting a transaction. Don’t let it be swiped twice and remember to retain your card and the transaction record as soon as the transaction is complete
  • Ignore your instincts. Always be alert – if someone is watching you or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine

Take Immediate Action if you Suspect you have Become a Victim of Debit Card Fraud

If you suspect you have been a victim of debit card fraud where it pertains to your account with Aldergrove Credit Union, contact your branch right away or call 1-800-567-8111.


















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