Protecting Your Credit or Debit Card

Take steps to keep your cards secure.

• Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Notify us if you notice fraudulent charges on your PFCU debit card. For other accounts, contact the issuing credit agency. The quicker you act, the more likely you can avoid financial damage.
• Request a new replacement debit card if yours was compromised. Once we know about a card compromise, we proactively freeze your current card and issue replacement cards while keeping you notified if you're at risk for unauthorized charges.
• Check your account information and debit card activity online. Log in to online banking to view your transactions and know when fraudulent activity has occurred.
• Sign up for email and mobile alerts from PFCU. These alerts can let you know immediately if unauthorized purchases or withdrawals are made on your account. You can set up alerts by clicking on the “eServices” tab in online banking and selecting “Mobile Banking.”
• Use caution when giving your account number over the phone or online. Only use your credit card over the phone if you trust the merchant. When you're shopping online, make sure the site is secure. For unfamiliar websites, check other sites for customer satisfaction ratings and any complaints.
• Request your free credit report. By law, you're allowed to get three free credit reports (one from each credit bureau) each year from annualcreditreport.com. Regularly monitor them and keep an eye out for fraudulent new accounts. You’re also entitled to a free credit report from each credit bureau after you file a 90-day fraud alert, which you should do every 90 days if you’ve been a victim or have a good suspicion that you’re going to become a victim of identity fraud.
• Change your passwords regularly. Use strong passwords that combine numerals, letters and symbols to protect yourself online and to thwart hackers.
• Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Avoid writing down your PIN, which makes it easier for people to access your account. 
• Sign the back of your new card as soon as you receive it. Destroy any old or unwanted cards so they cannot be used.