As you prepare for upcoming vacations, we’d like to remind you that all MVSB debit cards are automatically blocked for international usage. We do this to protect you and your accounts from fraud. Crimes involving falsified debit and credit card transactions are much more prevalent internationally than they are domestically, so we’ve taken this preventative measure to safeguard your information and your money.
If you’re planning to travel to another country (including Canada), let us know before you leave. We would be happy to assist you in turning on your debit card for international usage.
Here are some tips for protecting your debit and credit card information while you’re away:
1. Call before you go. Let your bank and credit card companies know when you will be traveling. This helps us monitor your account for suspicious activity.
2. Empty your wallet of any payment cards or forms of identification that you would not notice are missing and never store user names, PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet/purse. Keep a list of the phone numbers for your financial institutions and credit card companies in a separate location or add them to your cell phone contacts in case you misplace a card and need to contact the issuer.
3. Keep your handbags closed and never leave your handbag or wallet unattended. If you will be traveling to an area where pick-pocketing is prevalent, investigate secure ways to store your cards and identification that can not easily be accessed.
4. Watch your card. If a cashier asks to take your card, make sure they are processing the transaction within your view or bring the bill to the register.
5. Check your receipt. Carefully review your receipt and notify the cashier or manager of any discrepancies before you leave. Fill out the receipt completely to reduce the likelihood that the receipt could be altered. Make sure that any cash back requested using your card is received and that the total matches the amount you authorized.
6. Cover your PIN. When entering your PIN, use your other hand to shield the key pad from the view of shoulder surfers or PIN-capturing cameras.
7. Inspect ATMs for Potential Skimming Devices:Electronic card-skimming devices make capturing card information easy for identity thieves.
- Look for any differences in color or material on the machine that may indicate a device has been added.
- Look for additional card readers above or below the actual card reader.
- Look for signs of damage and repair to an ATM (scratches, tape, glue/adhesive residue, etc.)
- Inspect the sides and top of ATM for the addition of any border pieces, brochure holders or other devices that may have been altered to contain a camera.
- Inspect the card reader for entrapment devices. Check to make sure there is no black or clear tape/film on or projecting from the card reader.
- Use ATMs in well-lit and highly traveled areas.
8. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with or does not return your card, immediately contact your bank or credit card company.
9. Monitor your accounts closely during and after your trip. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you notice any transactions that were not authorized by you.
10. Update your contact information with us to ensure we are able to reach you quickly should we notice unusual activity on your account during or after your trip.
