Equifax has announced a data breach, potentially impacting 143 million customers. If you have registered with Equifax, you may be at risk. Equifax recommends you go to the website they have set up to see if you have been affected at www.equifaxsecurity2017.com. You can also call the Equifax call center at 866-447-7559. They have set up protection measures you can take advantage of because of the breach.
Banner’s Card Fraud Department
We may be calling you.
To protect your account, we monitor your ATM and debit card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity which may include a sudden change in locale (such as when a U.S.-issued card is used unexpectedly overseas), a sudden string of costly purchases, or any pattern associated with new fraud trends around the world.
- Our automated call will ask you to verify recent transaction activity on your card
- You’ll be able to respond via your touchtone keypad
- You’ll also be provided a toll-free number to call should you have additional questions
Our goal is to minimize your exposure to risk and the impact of any fraud. To ensure we can continue to reach you whenever potential fraud is detected, please keep us informed of your correct phone number and address at all times. We will NEVER ask for your personal or account information. We will only ask you to verify transactions.
Protect Yourself
In the meantime, please be diligent in monitoring transaction activity on your account and contact us immediately if you identify any fraudulent transactions. Here are some additional tips on protecting yourself from debit card fraud. Unless absolutely required for a legitimate business purpose, avoid giving out your:
- Address and ZIP code
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Card or account number
- Card expiration date
How to Report Fraud if it Happens
If you suspect you have been exposed to suspicious activity or fallen victim to fraud or identity theft, you should take action immediately using the steps below.
- Report the incident to us:
Banner VISA Credit Card call 1-800-558-3424.
Banner VISA Debit Card or ATM Card call 1-800-617-3775
- Report to the incident to your other financial institution.
- Call your credit card companies
- Set up credit report and fraud monitoring
If you have a Banner Federal checking account you already have this service AND it is included as part of your services.
You may also contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.
NCUA operates an online Fraud Prevention Center that offers information about avoiding frauds and scams on its MyCreditUnion.gov website.
Additional actions that may be appropriate depending on the circumstances:
Internet Fraud &Security
OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
Identity Theft Education
ID Protection comes FREE with your Banner Federal Checking Account. Monitor your credit, get your credit scores, PLUS be protected when the unthinkable happens.
National Consumer Protection Resources
NCUA provides consumers with a useful resource for learning about money and protecting financial assets.
National Credit Union Administration
The National Credit Union Administration shows you how credit unions can help you get where you want to go, from building up your savings to getting favorable interest rates on your next purchase.
The renowned personal finance expert, Suze Orman, appears in public service TV messages explaining the similarities between NCUA and FDIC protection. As Ms. Orman says, “They’re virtually identical. NCUA protects the money you have in a credit union account up to $250,000, same as FDIC protects money in a bank account.”
Both are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S government, so no matter what happens, your money is safe, provided you stay within the coverage limits. And a new law makes this $250,000 coverage limit permanent.
Fuel Economy Guide
Fuel economy is important to help save you money, reduce carbon footprint and oil dependency, and increase sustainability. The US Dept.of Energy website provides a wealth of information on how to maximize these benefits that will improve our air quality, economy, and bank accounts.