Debit & Credit Card Security

Did you know that more than 67% of all purchases are made with debit cards? Let’s talk about how to use your debit card safely so you don’t become a victim of fraud. The short video below will give you some basic tips on how you can use your Debit and Credit Card in a more secure manner.



The sections below highlight some additional resources that can be utilized to further protect yourself when using your debit and credit cards.
First National Bank & Trust monitors all debit card transactions for fraud in real-time, and takes a proactive approach to notify you as soon as we identify anything that looks suspicious. When potentially fraudulent transactions are identified, our team of fraud analysts will contact you directly over a series of communication channels to further discuss the transactions in question.

When fraud is suspected, our analysts will place a temporary block on your card. This block is placed so that future fraudulent transactions will be denied. Once an analyst is able to confirm the validity of the transactions in question, the block will be released and your card will work as normal. If fraud is confirmed, your card will be blocked and the bank will contact you for the next steps of getting you a new card.

The communication chain is as follows:
  1. E-mail to the address on file is triggered as soon as a fraudulent transaction is suspected.
  2. Text Message is delivered one minute after e-mail is sent if no response is received.
  3. Phone Call is initiated five minutes after text message is sent if no response is received.

Notification Times
E-mails are sent out immediately, regardless of the time of day. Phone calls and text messages are sent between the hours of 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM CST. Any activity that happens outside of this time will be placed in a queue until the following morning.

Mobile Text Alerts
First National bank & Trust also offers a service that allows you to be notified via text message of debit card activity. This service utilizes text messaging to send you real-time notifications of any transactions that trigger a set of predefined transaction rules.

For more information on this service, visit the smsGuardian and MyCardRules product pages.
One of the more common scams starting to emerge today is related to debit cards and text messaging. The premise of these attacks is simple, yet very deceiving.

A text message is sent claiming that your debit or credit card has become inactive. In order to reactivate it, you are requested to click on a link that brings you to a fraudulent website that gives the appearance of a well known bank or other bank in the area. From here you are requested to enter in your card number as well as the 4 digit PIN. An example of what one of these text message might look like is shown below.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK ALERT CENTER: Your CARD XXXXX has been DEACTIVATED. Please call 800-999-5555 or visit www.fakewebsite.com to resolve this issue.

Please be aware that First National Bank & Trust will never ask you for your password or PIN number, either in-person or through electronic means.

Should you ever receive this or anything else that looks suspicious in nature, please Contact Us immediately so we can assist you in verifying the validity of it. For additional information about fraudulent scams please visit our Scam Alerts security page.
To avoid problems, you should:
  1. Keep cards you don’t use often in a safe place. And know where your card is at all times.
  2. Never share your PIN with anyone, not even family members. And never write the PIN on the card.
  3. Always shield your PIN with your hand to prevent someone from stealing it, especially at an ATM or debit terminal. Be aware of your surroundings before using a terminal.
  4. Check your account regularly for suspicious activity.
  5. Report any problems or questions, including transactions you think may be unauthorized, right away. Again, quick action can limit misuse and save you money.
ATM's are a convenience in today's culture, but when using them you should always make sure you are doing so in a secure manner. The information below highlights some good practices when using an ATM.

  • Remember to pay close attention to the ATM and your surroundings. If possible, use ATM machines that are in an open area, well-lighted, and free of obstructions.
  • Remain diligent of your surroundings during your transactions. Pay attention to anyone who is watching from a parked car or lingering in the area. If you feel you are being watched or followed, drive immediately to a police or fire station to report the incident.
  • Do not allow others to look over your shoulder or help you with the transaction. Memorize your PIN number if possible, and never write your PIN number on the back of your card.
  • Never count cash at the machine if it is in public. Wait until you are in a secure location, such as in your car.
  • When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.
  • Closely monitor your bank statements, as well as your balances, and immediately report any problems to your bank.
It is recommended that you remain diligent about reviewing your bank statements on a monthly basis. Verify that you are familiar with all transactions, and immediately Contact Us if you notice anything that is not normal.

A better approach would be to enroll in our Online Banking service which would allow you to monitor your accounts in real-time. Early detection is key in restoring your debit and credit cards, as well as helping you get your money back.