Protect Yourself from
Credit Card
& Check Card Fraud
Credit card and check card fraud happens
whenever someone obtains your card number, and then uses it
to make fraudulent purchases. How does this happen?
- A dishonest store clerk might make an extra
imprint of your card. A thief can get your account number
and expiration date from a discarded receipt.
- Someone pretending to be a telemarketer
might ask for your card number with the stated intention
of entering you in a contest or "confirming" your
account.
- A restaurant cashier might swipe your
credit or debit card in a small handheld device known as
a skimmer, which copies the information on your card including
your PIN, in order to make a counterfeit copy of your card.
This method is called Skimming.
- At an ATM, either a false front is set
up or another electronic device is linked to the terminal
to capture the information when the card is swiped and the
PIN is entered.
- From stored data, including electronic
data capture terminals, personal computers and mainframes.
Criminals hack into these systems to retrieve and copy valid
account data.
By following some basic guidelines you can
protect yourself from falling victim to credit and check card
fraud:
- When selecting a PIN, always avoid the
obvious - your name, telephone number, or date of birth,
or any combination.
- Ensure that you get your card back after
every purchase.
- Always check sales vouchers for the correct
purchase amount before you sign them, and keep copies of
your vouchers and ATM receipts.
- Always check your billing statement and
verify the amounts of your purchases.
- Make a comprehensive list of all your cards
and their numbers and store it in a safe place.
- Don't volunteer any personal information
when you use your credit card, other than by displaying
personal ID as requested by a merchant.
- Don't lend your card to anybody. You are
responsible for its use. Some credit and check card misuse
can be traced directly to family and friends.
- Never disclose your PIN to anyone. No one
from a financial institution, the police, or a merchant
should ask for your PIN. You are the only person who needs
to know it.
What to do if you think you have become
a victim of credit card fraud:
If you lose your credit or check cards or
if you realize they've been lost or stolen, immediately call
the issuer(s). Many companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour
service to deal with such emergencies. By law, once you report
the loss or theft, you have no further responsibility for
unauthorized charges. In any event, your maximum liability
under federal law is $50 per card.
To report a lost or stolen SunState
VISA Check Card, promptly call (800)-543-5073 or
(800)-453-4270 (anytime). Members outside the country should
call collect (727)-570-4881.
To file a SunState VISA Check Card
Dispute* call (352)-381-5200 or toll-free (877) 786-7828.
(Monday-Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM). You must first contact the
merchant and attempt to resolve your transaction dispute.
Then provide written documentation to us including the following:
account number, transaction date, exact amount being questioned,
and an explanation of why you believe there is an error.
To report a lost or stolen SunState
VISA Credit Card, promptly call (800)-325-3678. Members
outside the country should call collect (727)-570-4881.
To Contact Visa Credit Card Customer
Service for general account information and disputes
call 800-423-7503 or 800-237-6211 or 800-282-7681.
To file a SunState VISA credit card
dispute*:
If you have a dispute regarding your SunState VISA credit
card, and think your bill is incorrect, or need more information
about a transaction on your bill, you must provide written
notification. Your request must include the following information:
account number, transaction date, exact amount being questioned,
and an explanation of why you believe there is an error. Be
sure to sign and mail your request along with supporting documents
(such as copies of receipts, invoices etc., credit slips)
to:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
P.O. Box 30495
Tampa, FL 33630-3495
*SunState Federal Credit Union may not immediately
receive e-mail communications that you send to AskSunState.
No e-mail communications shall be considered notice to SunState
Federal Credit Union of anything, including without limitation,
any right under contract, law or regulation. Any notice you
wish to provide SunState Federal Credit Union must be in writing
as provided in applicable contract, law or regulation.
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