PULSE EFT Association Encourages Comprehensive Electronic Payment Security Practices

New to the networks ATM/Debit Card Safety Awareness Month campaign this June is an increased focus on privacy and fraud protection. As part of the campaign, PULSE is offering tips ranging from drive-up ATM safety to precautions for preventing identity theft to its more than 4,400 participating financial institutions. These tips are delivered through a variety of materials, including lobby brochures, card protectors, deposit envelopes, statement inserts, electronic brochures and Web site links.In response to this development, PULSE is focusing on cardholder actions that can help to prevent financial fraud and protect against identity theft.PULSE offers the following recommendations:ATM/Debit Card SecurityTreat your card like cash. Keep it in a safe place.Report a lost or stolen card to your financial institution immediately.Never disclose information about your card in response to an unsolicited e-mail or request.Keep your personal identification number (PIN) a secret. Do not disclose it over the phone to anyone - not even your financial institution.Carefully review your account statements and, if available, frequently visit your online banking Web site to look for unauthorized transactions. Financial Fraud PreventionRemove mail promptly from your mailbox.Shred all personal and financial documents and destroy unused credit, ATM and debit cards before disposing of them.Match receipts to monthly billing statements.Memorize PINs, passwords and Social Security numbers, and only record them in secure locations.Use longer, more complex PINs and passwords, change them periodically and use a different one for each card or Web site.Notify financial institutions of address changes in advance.Immediately report any unauthorized account activity or phishing scams.Look closely at ATMs to detect any suspicious alterations before using them. Identity ProtectionDo not let your debit card out of your sight when purchasing goods and services.Utilize anti-virus software, anti-spyware and a firewall on your personal computer, and keep them up to date.Review account statements regularly to verify all transactions. Frequently log into your online accounts and review all activity.If you have given out personal or financial information in response to a fraudulent request, report the incident to your account provider(s) as soon as possible.Review your credit report every year. (Consumers are entitled to one free credit report each year. To request a report, call 877-322-8228 or log on to www.annualcreditreport.com.) A comprehensive listing of ATM/debit safety tips is available at www.pulse-eft.com/public/atmdebitsafety/csafety.html, and a brochure containing fraud/identity theft prevention tips is available at www.pulse-eft.com/public/atmdebitsafety/idtheft.html.