ATM & Debit Card Safety Awareness Month

June Campaign Features Fraud-Fighting Tips

Prevention of financial fraud and identity theft continues to be an important focus for financial institutions, especially in the age of electronic payments. Each year, PULSE keeps these issues top of mind for network participants by designating June as ATM & Debit Card Safety Awareness Month.

“We encourage participants to keep a close watch on payment card fraud year-round, and offer a variety of services to assist them in this endeavor,” said Steve Sievert, PULSE senior vice president of Communications & Marketing. “In June, we enhance our efforts by promoting debit card safety prevention tips and tools.”

The 2011 ATM & Debit Card Safety Awareness Month campaign includes brochures on ATM & Debit Card Safety and Identity Theft Prevention that can be used as statement inserts or distributed in branch lobbies. Participants also can order RFID-secure debit card sleeves that incorporate an added measure of security to help safeguard contactless cards against “electronic pickpocketing.” These high-tech card protectors also bear helpful security tips to keep debit card safety top of mind.

All brochures and card protectors are available for a nominal price. You may also download complimentary electronic brochures to post on your website.

Preventing Card Fraud

The industry’s efforts to prevent payment card fraud appear to be having a positive impact. In 2010, the number of identity fraud victims fell 28 percent to 8.1 million U.S. adults, 3 million fewer than the prior year, according to the 2011 Identity Fraud Survey Report by Javelin Strategy & Research. Total annual fraud decreased from $56 billion to $37 billion last year, the lowest level in the eight years since the study began.

“Success in fighting fraud does not mean cardholders or financial institutions should become complacent,” warned Eric Lillard, director of fraud services for PULSE. “Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to perpetrate financial crimes, and vigilance is important. We have seen a number of news reports in recent months about incidents of ATM and point-of-sale skimming fraud. I encourage cardholders to watch for signs of terminal tampering when using their cards.”

PULSE participants can order ATM & Debit Card Safety Awareness Month materials on the PULSE website at www.pulsenetwork.com/debitsafety. Click on PULSE Marketplace (login is required).