Credit Card Security
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Credit Card Fraud - is the unauthorized use of a credit card as a fraudulent source of funds in a transaction. The purpose may be to obtain goods without paying, or to obtain unauthorized funds from an account. |
What are the common types of credit card fraud?
- Counterfeit: duplicating legitimate credit cards which are then used for fraudulent activities. This includes skimming which is a duplication of the magnetic stripe.
- Card Not Present (CNP): unauthorized usage of credit card information for fraudulent activities over the internet, phone or mail.
- Lost/Stolen: unauthorized usage of a credit card as a result of it being lost or stolen.
What is FirstCaribbean International Bank doing to combat credit card fraud?
While a FirstCaribbean International Bank credit card is generally a secure payment method, credit card fraud can still occur.
As a VISA or MasterCard member, FirstCaribbean International Bank is committed to helping protect our clients from credit card fraud.
We continue to make a significant investment in security networks and in training our staff and are continually working with various law enforcement agencies, VISA, MasterCard, Credit Reporting Agencies and other financial institutions on an ongoing basis to protect you from credit card fraud.
In many cases, FirstCaribbean International Bank is able to proactively identify unusual transactions that could indicate fraudulent activities on a credit card.
What can I do to protect myself from credit card fraud?
Below are some precautions you can take to safeguard yourself and avoid becoming a victim of credit card fraud:
- Treat your cards as if they were cash.
- Never write down or disclose your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to anyone, even if the request is purportedly coming from a bank employee; we never request this information.
- Never choose easy-to-guess PINs (such as your address or birthday).
- Sign your card on the signature panel as soon as you receive it.
- Be sure when using your credit card for an online purchase that the website is secure. You should also be sure that you completely log off any website that you have made a purchase on and close the browser.
- Never give credit card or personal information over the phone or on the internet, unless you have initiated the call or the website order and you have verified you are dealing with a reputable organization.
- Check monthly billing statements and purchase amounts against receipts, and immediately report any unauthorized transactions to FirstCaribbean International Bank.
- Know who has access to your cards.
- Report lost or stolen cards to FirstCaribbean International Bank immediately at 1-246-431-5490 and send an email to CardSecurity@firstcaribbeanbank.com.
- Use your hand or body to shield your PIN from onlookers when you are conducting transactions at a bank machine or at the point-of-sale.
- Beware of persons (other than Bank personnel) offering you assistance at the ABM.
- If you receive a message from FirstCaribbean International Bank regarding a potential fraud situation, contact us immediately.
- Call and advise us of travel plans and when making large purchases.
- Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date (i.e. contact numbers and email address).
- Always use good judgment in handling your credit cards. While you can't prevent every instance of credit card fraud, you can dramatically reduce the risk.
What is my liability if my credit card is used fraudulently?
If you are a confirmed victim of fraud and you have met your obligations under FirstCaribbean International Bank's VISA Cardholder Agreement, you will not be held liable for the associated losses.
Review your FirstCaribbean International Bank VISA Cardholder Agreement for additional details.
Protect your PIN and account numbers.
Treat online marketers as you would telephone marketers or anyone else you don't know. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is, so pass it up.
Only provide your payment card number when you are making a purchase and if you have initiated the negotiation.
You should never disclose your PIN or any account password to any online merchant for any reason, and never use your Social Security Number or PIN as a password.
If I suspect I have been a victim of credit card fraud or my card has been lost/stolen, what should I do?
Contact us immediately by calling:
- Free from any country (excluding Belize, the Bahamas, St. Maarten): 1-877-888-2422
- Collect from any country (excluding Bahamas and Jamaica): 1-246-431-5490
- Toll free from the Bahamas and TCI: 1-242-300-2244
- Toll free from St. Maarten: 0-801-0244
- From Belize: 0-800-744-2422
- Email address: CardSecurity@firstcaribbeanbank.com
