April 2011
Welcome to the
CTA Member Benefit Department's Articles for Chapter Newsletters
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this message.
Sincerely,
David A. Sanchez, CTA President
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Protect Your ATM/Debit Card from ATM Skimming
In today's
fast-paced world, almost everyone is in a hurry to complete daily and
weekly tasks, including getting "fast cash" from an ATM to quickly
filling up their tanks at the gas station. Using an ATM/Debit Card makes
these errands quick and easy.
While an
ATM/Debit Card is designed to make our lives more convenient, ATMs have
increasingly become a target for criminals. ATM skimming is one of the
ways criminals commit fraud with your ATM/Debit Card and steal your
information.
According
to Bankrate.com, theft from ATM skimming is approaching $1 billion
annually. Below is more information about ATM Skimming and tips to help
you avoid becoming a victim of ATM skimming.
What Is ATM Skimming?
Criminals attach
devices onto ATM machines in order to copy an ATM/Debit Card number, the
information encoded on the magnetic strip and even the Personal
Identification Number (PIN).
Risk Reduction and Protection
Inspect the ATM Before Use
Before
you use an ATM, take a moment to examine the machine. Does anything
look out of place or not original? Is there anything taped to the
machine? Do some parts look loose or in a different color (for example,
the ATM is silver and the card slot is black)? Is there a brochure rack
or other promotional materials on the ATM or near the machine that seem
out of place? Are there mirrors on the ATM? If you find anything that
looks suspicious, don't use the ATM.
Recognize a Skimming Device
Many skimming devices are stuck onto the machine or near the ATM with two-sided tape or even Velcro. Some skimming
devices are inserted into the ATM (in the card slots). Once it is
loaded, wireless cameras are often attached to the ATM key pad. This is
how criminals capture not only the ATM/Debit Card number, but the PIN as
well. Once this information is obtained, criminals can reproduce a
fraudulent ATM card and begin withdrawing funds from the account.
Protect your PIN, Your Card and Your Account
Don't share your PIN with anyone. Be sure to cover the screen and the key pad when you're using your PIN.
If your card is not returned
after you completed your transaction or after pressing cancel,
immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card and
report the incident.
Always check your monthly statements to ensure there are no unusual withdrawals.
Article
courtesy of First Financial Credit Union. This article is not intended
to represent First Financial Credit Union's views or opinions, nor does
it represent First Financial as an expert on the subject discussed. This
article should be used for information purposes only.
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News from The Standard
Are you sure you're covered?
Take a moment to look at your benefits
information and pay stub to confirm that you have the Disability and
Life Insurance you need to protect your lifestyle and loved ones. If you
aren't covered, or if you have coverage with another insurance carrier
and would like to transfer your coverage to the CTA-endorsed insurance
plans offered by Standard Insurance Company, call The Standard's
dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at 800.522.0406 (TTY) 7:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST.
Limited time opportunity to switch your coverage to the CTA-endorsed plans
From April 1 through May 31, 2011 you have a special opportunity to switch your Disability and
Life Insurance coverage to the CTA-endorsed plans offered by Standard Insurance Company.
To begin the process, call The Standard's dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at
800.522.0406 (TTY) 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST.
For costs and further details of the coverage,
including exclusions, benefit waiting periods and any reductions or
limitations and the terms under which the policy may be continued in
force, please call 800-522-0406.
Family status changes
Remember that within 31 days of a family
status change, you can add or increase Life insurance coverage up to
$200,000 and/or add Disability Insurance coverage. Family status changes
include: birth/adoption, marriage/domestic partnership, loss of spousal
employment, and other qualifying events. For more information about
this enrollment opportunity, or to file a claim, visit us at www.cta.org/thestandard.
For
costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, benefit
waiting periods and any reductions or limitations and the terms under
which the policy may be continued in force, please contact The
Standard's dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at 800.522.0406.