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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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BBB Tip of the Week: Chip Technology Scam

Credit and debit card issuers are providing you with better fraud protection in new cards with a chip that generates unique transaction data. This additional security only affects in-person purchases at terminals with chip-enabled readers. Online, phone and in-person purchases using the traditional magnetic-stripe swipe method are still prone to fraud.

So those with the new technology in their credit and debit cards should use the chip-reader slot, which looks like an ATM slot at the bottom of the machine, whenever possible.

Those who are still waiting to get their new chip-enabled cards have one more worry: scammers. They are emailing and phoning potential victims claiming to be the card issuer with the need to verify personal information before cards can be mailed. Those caught up in this scam could get their credit or debit card number stolen. Or worse, they could fall victim to identity theft.

Better Business Bureau shares the following advice for avoiding and recovering from this scam:

·Your card issuer doesn’t need to contact you to verify personal information or your credit card number. Don’t respond to emails or give out information to unsolicited callers.

· Never click on links in emails that arrive unexpectedly in your inbox. Also, do not open any attachments. Links and attachments could load malware or spyware on your computer or device, making you vulnerable to hackers. Also, links could take you to phony, look-alike websites that ask you to enter in personal information so fraudsters can steal your identity.

· If you are worried that an email or call is legitimate, then call the phone number listed on the back of your credit or debit card to ask.

· If you think your credit or debit card information has been stolen or compromised, contact your card issuer right away so they can protect your account and send a replacement card.

· If you think your identity has been stolen, visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/ to learn the steps you should take to protect yourself.

To report a scam or see scams that have been reported to BBB, visit https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/eastern-washington or call (509) 455-4200.

by Erin T. Dodge, BBB editor