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Debit & Credit Card Fraud

Card fraud can occur through a variety of channels, including online scams, data breaches, and card or mail theft. You can use these tips to defend yourself and have peace of mind knowing Community First is monitoring your account for threats and suspicious activity.
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Tips
Carrying your cards
Only carry the cards you need, not all of them. By having fewer cards on you, there will be less for a potential thief to take and fewer cards you’ll have to freeze.
Documents
  • Shred documents containing personal information before tossing them.
  • Do not write down your PIN. Choose a four-digit number that is easy for you to remember but hard for someone else to guess.
Guard your card information
Have a record of your card and account numbers along with expiration dates in a safe place. Include the phone number for each card company so you can report fraud and minimize damage quickly.
Your credentials
Never give your account number or online banking credentials over the phone unless you initiated the call to a company you know to be safe.
Using your cards
ATM Skimming Safety Tips
Look for irregularities with an ATM before using it. Read more about our ATM Skimming Safety Tips
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Signing a receipt
Never sign a receipt leaving lines, such as the total, blank. The information on a blank receipt may be changed after you’ve already signed it. Drawing a line through any blank spaces helps.
Watch your card
Watch your card during a transaction and make sure you get it back.

Activate real-time text and voice credit card fraud alerts

With our Credit Card Fraud Alerts, we can help monitor your account activity and quickly identify potentially fraudulent transactions.

Get instantly alerted via SMS text, which may be followed by digital voice calls, when possible fraudulent activity is detected on your account. You will also be able to validate charges from your phone and continue to use your card if you approve the activity.

Not enrolled in Online Banking? Register now

Report fraud

Important resources that can help you combat fraud.

Annual Credit Report

Get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting agency. Ensure that the information on all of your credit reports is correct and up to date. Reviewing credit reports helps you catch signs of identity theft early. 

Learn More
Credit Bureaus
Call: Or try: 
  • “Credit Freeze” - This tool lets you restrict access to your credit report, which in turn makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
  • “Fraud Alert”- If you are concerned about identity theft, but haven’t yet become a victim, this fraud alert will protect your credit from unverified access for at least 30 days.
Identity Theft
Notify Community First of any Identity Theft that you've experienced.
Learn More
Resources
Fraud Prevention Tips for Holiday Shopping
Blog | Fraud prevention tips for holiday shopping

'Tis the Season for holiday shopping, eggnog, and....fraud? Unfortunately, this time of year is when fraudsters are especially active. Here are 10 tips right from our fraud team to keep you safe during the holidays.

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Blog | Auto warranty expiration scam

“Hello! We’re calling about your car’s extended warranty…” 

More likely than not, you have received annoying phone calls from someone trying to sell you a car warranty regardless of what your car situation is. Either way, when you receive one of these calls, you should proceed with caution. 

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Blog | Are peer-to-peer payment apps safe?

Peer-to-peer payments have become even more popular during the pandemic as they've enabled people to reduce contact by going virtual and cashless. As apps increase in popularity, it is essential to know how they work in the first place.

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Blog | How to avoid tax theft scams

Tax theft scams are more common than you think. Tax scammers are continually finding novel ways to steal your personal information as well as your money. 

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