EPPICard Security Tips: Important Card Safety Tips

Tip #1 - Protect Your Card Information and Secret PIN Number

Your PIN number is the secret 4-digit number you choose that allows you to access your money and helps protect your Card information. Here are a few tips you can use to help keep your money and information safe.

• Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never share it with anyone, including friends or family members, store employees, or others.
• When creating your secret PIN, it is best to select a series of numbers that is easy for you to memorize, but difficult for anyone else to guess.
• It is not safe to use the same PIN you use for other things.
• Avoid using the same digit consecutively or combinations that are easily discovered such as your telephone number, the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, your birthday, home address, driver's license number, etc.
• Change your secret PIN regularly just in case someone learns it.
• Never write down your secret PIN number anywhere, especially on your Card, in your wallet or in your phone.
• Protect your secret PIN from prying eyes. Never let other shoppers or people standing near you see you typing your PIN, including at the ATM.
• Never share your PIN with anyone, for any reason, regardless of the circumstances.
• Do not disclose your PIN via email, text or over the phone to anyone who may claim to be your financial institution's representative, or law enforcement.
• It is not necessary for anyone to know your PIN including your joint account-holder, your financial institution or law enforcement.
• Hang up immediately if you receive a telephone call from someone asking you for your secret PIN number to complete an online transaction, or for verification of any type.
• Never use your Card in an ATM or credit Card machine that looks damaged or appears to have been tampered with.
• Always take your Card, receipts and transaction records with you after completing your transaction. Keep them in a secure place. Shred or destroy them before tossing them out. Identity thieves often dig through the trash to find personal information.
• Use this website to check your transaction history regularly to make sure your Card has not been compromised.

Tip #2 - Be Safe at ATMs

ATMs are a convenient way to access your money. Here are a few tips on how you can help protect yourself when using an ATM.

• Have your Card out and ready to use as you approach an ATM. If you observe or sense suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the ATM at that time.
• Avoid ATMs that are poorly lit, hidden, or obstructed from view.
• Never count your money at the ATM. Wait until you are in a safe location.
• Take a trusted family member or friend with you, especially at night.
• It is not advisable to wear expensive jewelry or bring valuables to the ATM. This is an added incentive to the assailant.
• If you feel you are being followed when leaving an ATM, drive immediately to the nearest police or fire station, or to a busy, well-lit location. Call the police immediately.
• If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, COMPLY. Your safety and life is more important than any amount of money.
• Never swipe your Card in an ATM that looks damaged or appears to have been tampered with.
• Do not re-enter your PIN if the ATM keeps your Card. Instead, call Customer Service immediately to report your Card lost.

You can always find your customer service number on your Card, on this website, and on the printed information included when you received your Card.

Tip #3 - Keep Your Identity Safe

Identity thieves have become very smart about stealing personal information. Here are some tips to help you protect your identity and your money from identity thieves.

• Always protect your personal information. Even from family members or close friends. You may not know their personal circumstances or motives.
• Check your transaction history and purchase activity frequently using this website. Report any unauthorized purchases, transactions, or changes in your account information immediately.
• Limit the amount of personal information a thief can steal. Never carry unnecessary debit, credit or identification Cards in your purses or wallets.
• Never leave a purse or wallet unattended in a car, at a restaurant or at a party, and never leave a purse or wallet in open view in a car, even though it may be locked.
• Be very wary of unexpected phone calls, emails, and text messages from someone claiming to be from your bank or financial institution.
• Never give your social security numbers or account numbers out over the phone, even if you made the call. Identity thieves often place fake calls, asking you to call them back, in an attempt to steal your personal information.
• Memorize Passwords. Never write down any passwords where identity thieves can steal them.
• Shred or destroy all junk mail before tossing it out. This will prevent identity thieves from finding confidential information in the trash.
• Never click on "links" in emails. Always type web addresses directly into your web browser. Identity thieves trying to obtain, or "phish" for, confidential information can easily create phony emails that look very official. Identity thieves can be located anywhere in the world, including foreign countries.
• Always call customer service when someone contacts you and asks for your personal information. This number can be found on the back of your Card or in the printed information included when you received your Card.