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Data Breach FAQs

By August 19, 2014October 25th, 2019Uncategorized

Below are some helpful FAQs should your card become compromised.

What is a compromised card?
A compromised card is a card that is at risk of being used fraudulently. Cards may be compromised due to computer theft, unauthorized merchant network intrusion, data skimmer devices at the point-of-sale or any type of suspicious activity.

How does Bridge Credit Union react to compromise notifications?
Bridge takes every compromise seriously and requires issuance of replacement cards for affected members. Bridge makes every effort to speak with our members directly via phone to explain the compromised situation. When a member cannot be reached via phone the member will receive written notification that their card data has been compromised. The notification will provide detailed information on obtaining a replacement card.

How does Bridge Credit Union compromise notifications differ from other financial institutions?
Bridge takes a cautious and proactive approach to compromised cards. We do not wait for the fraudulent activity to happen on our members’ accounts before canceling potentially compromised cards. We cancel and notify members the moment we believe there could be potential for fraud. Most financial institutions take the reactive approach and rarely notify members of potential compromised cards until fraud has occurred.

I was notified by a merchant, not Bridge Credit Union, that my card information may have been compromised, what should I do?
Call Bridge Credit Union immediately (800.434.7300) to have your card closed and replaced. On occasion, a merchant may have prior knowledge of a compromise before VISA or MasterCard has a chance to notify card issuers.

Does a compromised card mean fraud?
Not necessarily. In fact, among the list of card numbers we periodically receive, only a few are actually affected by fraud. Take the opportunity to review your monthly statement(s).  Remember to review your daily transactions with our Online Banking, Mobile Banking, or Telephone Banking.

When notified about a card compromise, do all financial institutions close and reissue cards?
No. Some institutions do not reissue cards at all, nor do they notify their customers of a compromise. They leave it to their customers to discover fraudulent transactions (if any) posted to their account.

How do I monitor my account for fraud? 
You are the best tool when it comes to protecting your account from fraud. By monitoring the activity on your account regularly you will be able to identify if anything irregular occurs. The easiest way to monitor your accounts is by reviewing your transaction activity within online banking. Another method is by enrolling in eStatements which are delivered to you securely each month.  Your eStatements are available to you sooner than mailed paper statements. Contact us today and we will walk you through enrolling in online banking and eStatements, or call us at 800.434.7300.

What do I need to do if I discover fraud on my account?
Contact Bridge Credit Union immediately to complete the necessary dispute forms.

How long will it take to receive my replacement card?
Most cards are received within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I do not want to have my card blocked?
Compromises are serious. Fraudulent activity may occur if the card is not closed. The fraud dispute process can be more inconvenient to members than simply having a card replaced. To protect our members, minimize inconvenience and losses, Bridge Credit Union requires compromised cards to be closed and replaced.

What if I have preauthorized debits made to my compromised card number?
You should contact the merchant(s) immediately upon receipt of your replacement card(s) and provide them with the new card number and expiration date. This process may be as simple as logging into the corresponding merchant(s) site and updating the information yourself.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Bridge Credit Union for assistance.