Uwharrie Bank uses a series of risk-monitoring tools to help fight debit and credit card fraud. We assess the risk potential of each debit and credit card transaction before it is approved. Certain transactions, such as risky foreign transactions, foreign Internet transactions, and domestic transactions outside of Uwharrie Bank’s market area, could be declined based on the likelihood of fraud.
Uwharrie Bank adds another layer of security to your debit card with Text Alerts, a simple text communication that helps identify and stop fraud more quickly. You can also set up real-time card alerts through Online Banking or the Uwharrie Bank Mobile App.
If you are traveling, either domestically or internationally, please call 704-991-2800. By notifying us of your travel will allow for you to continue to use your card as needed without fraud rules blocking legitimate transactions.
Uwharrie Bank is dedicated to helping you protect your financial information. Below are security tips pertaining to your debit and credit card that can aid in avoiding fraud and identity theft:
A skimmer is a malicious card reader attached to real payment terminals used by criminals to capture data from the magnetic strip on the back of a debit or credit card. These devices can be installed in minutes on an ATM, gas pump, or other point-of-sale machines. Criminals can use the collected card data to create cloned cards to steal money.
On ATMs, these devices are usually placed over or inside the slot where you insert a card, and are made to look like they belong there. Also, criminals usually install either a camera above or around the ATM or an electronic keypad that fits over the existing keypad to capture a PIN. These devices are designed so that they do not interfere with how an ATM functions. We constantly monitor the ATMs at all our branches to attempt to prevent such criminal activities, but you can also help by being constantly vigilant.
On gas pumps, skimmers can be hard to detect. Criminals can sometimes gain access to a gas pump key, which can be used at many pumps to install devices. In the past couple of years, skimming has advanced to include Bluetooth technology, which criminals use to keep from having to return to the gas pump to physically retrieve stolen data.
In some cases there are handheld devices, which can be used at places like restaurants where a waitperson scans the card when they take it to pay the bill.
Ultimately, the result is often fraudulent charges on your bank account.
Safety suggestions when using your credit or debit card at ATMs and gas pumps:
If your Uwharrie Bank debit card has any unauthorized activity, contact us immediately at 800.438.6864
You may also contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus listed below and request that a fraud alert be placed on your file in order to notify them of potential fraudulent activity.