No Keypad No Pin

• The first scenario involves email requests for ATM, Check Card and Credit Card numbers and pins. These e-mails ask for this information for “account verification” purposes. 
•  Another scenario involves email recipients being asked to click on links that take them to a fake Web site where card and PIN information is requested, again for “account verification” purposes.

In both of these scenarios, the requests look like they come from legitimate organizations such as Pay Pal®, eBay®, Microsoft®, EarthLink, etc… but in reality they are from identity thieves. 

When should PIN information be provided?
The only time a PIN should be provided is when it is entered on a keypad at a merchant location or at an ATM machine. No legitimate company will request this information online or by phone. 

When you start to enter PIN information, remember No Key Pad, No PIN – that is to say, if there is no keypad present to input your PIN, don’t provide it!

Other Ways to Protect Your Card Information
Here are additional ways you can protect your card information:

DON’T

1. Don’t write your PIN on the back of your card or keep the number in your wallet/purse with your card. If your wallet or purse is stolen, the thief will have easy access to your funds.
2. Don’t give your PIN number to anyone asking for it over the phone or in person. Like the online scenario mentioned earlier, no legitimate organization will request this time of information over the phone. Remember – No Key Pad, No PIN.
3. Don’t leave your transaction receipts at the ATM or other locations. Take them with you and tear them up before discarding in the trash.

DO

1. Do protect your card and PIN number at all times. Be mindful of who can see your information when you are inputting your PIN number. You never know who might be standing behind you in line.
2. Do look for built-in security features to protect your account information when you shop online. A secure site will have “https” in the site address as well as a closed padlock in the lower right hand corner above the taskbar. All reputable merchant sites use encryption technologies that will protect your private data.
3. Do review your checking account and credit card statements on a monthly basis. You can view checking transactions more frequently via AFCU Online. Visa transactions may be viewed via Visa® Online.
4. Do contact us immediately if you discover unauthorized transactions on your account. During standard business hours, please contact us at (301) 702-5500 or toll-free at (800) 487-5500. After hours, please contact Card Services (check card only) at (800)449-7728. Overseas members should contact their local branch.

For more information on identity theft and how you can protect your personal information, please visit these sites:

FTC’s Identity Theft Website: www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Antiphishing Work Group Website: www.antiphishing.org