Debit card fraud
Card skimming

Debit card fraud

Debit card fraud occurs when your debit card (for Envision members, this is your MemberCard) is lost, stolen or counterfeited (see card skimming) and used to obtain funds from your account without your authorization.

Please remember that it is your responsibility as an Envision MemberCard holder and/or electronic banking user to protect your passwords in order to protect yourself from this type of fraud.

Click here (PDF 96KB) to view a copy of Envision’s MemberCard® Cardholder Agreement. Click here (PDF 97KB) to view Envision’s MemberCard® Cardholder Agreement for business members.

If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud where it pertains to your account(s) with Envision Credit Union, please contact your branch right away or call 1-800-567-8111 (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week) to report your card lost or stolen.

Card skimming

Card skimming involves the unauthorized copying of electronic data from your debit or other cards. Hidden equipment typically obtains your PIN (i.e. cameras or false/altered PIN pads). The stolen data is then encoded onto a counterfeit card, which is used to withdraw funds without your knowledge.

How it happens

• At ABM machines, a card reader is placed on either the ABM itself, typically over top of the legitimate card reader, or on the entrance door to the ABM if there is a card reader device on the door for access. Hidden cameras are strategically placed to capture you entering your PIN.
• At debit card (point-of-sale or POS) terminals, the merchant may swipe your card in the legitimate POS terminal and then swipe your card a second time in a card reader device designed to capture the electronic data on your card. Either a camera or a “shoulder surfer” captures you entering your PIN.
• At a POS terminal, the electrical components inside the PIN pad may be altered to capture data from your debit card and capture your PIN as it is entered. In these cases, it is virtually impossible to detect the altered PIN pad as most of the alterations are done to the electrical components inside the PIN pad.
• The magnetic stripe on your debit card does not contain your account information or your PIN. Therefore, a counterfeit card is useless without your PIN.

How you can protect yourself

• When you’re entering your PIN on an ABM or a debit card (POS) machine, use your hand or your body to prevent people from looking over your shoulder (“shoulder surfing”) while you type it in.
• Look for physical alterations on ABM or debit card (POS) machines.
• Don’t let your debit card out of sight when you’re conducting a transaction and don’t let it be “swiped” twice. As soon as the transaction is complete, remember to take your card and the transaction record with you.
• Regularly check your statements to verify all transactions have been properly documented. If entries do not accurately reflect transaction activities (e.g. if there are missing or additional transactions), you should contact your branch immediately.
• Keep your debit card in a safe place and don't lend it to anyone, including friends and family.
• Memorize your PIN - it's your electronic signature. If you disclose your PIN to someone else, you could be held liable for losses. If you suspect someone knows your PIN, change it immediately.
• If your MemberCard is lost, stolen or retained by an ABM, notify your branch or contact 1-800-567-8111 immediately upon becoming aware of the problem.
• When selecting your PIN don't pick the obvious. Your name, your children's names, address, telephone number, social insurance number or date of birth are all easy to find out. Choose something more complicated. If you don't, you could be held liable for losses.
• Change your PIN regularly.
• Be alert. If someone is watching you or making you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine.

If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud where it pertains to your account(s) with Envision Credit Union, please contact your branch right away or call 1-800-567-8111 to report your card lost or stolen.

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