Chips:

What is a "chip"? CBBC Bank debit cards are being issued containing a small microchip just above the printed account number on your card. Chip cards allow for an extra layer of security for face to face purchase transactions.

How they work:

When used at an enabled terminal, the microchip in your debit card creates a one-time use code that the merchant sends to the card company to process your transaction. The card company is able to match this code to your card information and pay the merchant. 

How is this safer:

With traditional debit cards, information stored in the magnetic strip and transmitted to card companies from merchants includes your name, full card number, card expiration date, and security code (the numbers found on the back on the card). If a card was compromised, either by swiping through a skimming device or a data breach, all of this information could be used by criminals for unauthorized purchases from your bank account. By using the new chips to complete face to face transactions, none of this information is sent through payment systems thus lessening the likelihood of a card compromise.

How to make a purchase:

When you are ready to make a purchase, you will insert the card into the merchants chip-enabled terminal at the bottom of the key pad. The terminal will read the microchip to access a one time use code for your purchase. While it is doing this you will be asked for your PIN number. The card will need to remain in the terminal until the transaction is finished processing. Once it is done, the terminal will alert you and the screen will tell you that you may now remove your card. 

What about online transactions:

Microchips can only work to protect your account information when you are making a purchase face to face and the merchant has a chip-enabled terminal. Transactions made with online merchants still require you to enter your card number and other information to complete the transaction. Please refer to our useful tips tab above to learn more about protecting your card information while making an online purchase. 

Keeping your Debit/ATM card secure is a major responsibility for you. Here are some tips we advise you to follow.

Always:

• Protect your Debit/ATM card and keep it in a safe place. Treat it as you would cash.
• Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) secret. Never write it down, especially anywhere on the card itself.
• Never disclose information about your card in response to an unsolicited email or phone request. CBBC Bank will not ask for this information in an email. 
• Review your bank statements or regularly check your account through BankOnLine to verify if any unauthorized transactions have occurred.
• Report lost or stolen cards, as well as any unauthorized transactions on your account, to CBBC Bank immediately.

Debit PIN Safety:

• Do not allow anyone else to enter your PIN for a transaction, even if they may be helping you. 
• Always stand between the Point of Sale (POS) terminal and any waiting individuals, so that you block their view as you enter your PIN to complete your transaction.
• When you are using an outdoor POS terminal, such as at a gas station, observe your surroundings. Inspect the terminal itself for possible skimming devices (this may be an attachment or alteration to the card reader or the keypad). If anything looks suspicious, either in the area or at the terminal, do not initiate a transaction. Leave the area immediately.
• After making your purchase, always get a receipt. Verify receipts against your account at the earliest convenience.

ATM Safety:

• When at an ATM, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Only use an ATM in an area that is well lit, and the view of the machine is unobstructed. If this is not the case, leave the area and conduct your transaction at another location.
• If using a drive-up ATM, keep all doors locked, passenger windows up, and your engine running. Park close to the terminal and observe the entire area from your car before initiating a transaction. If anything appears out of place, leave the area at once. 
• Visually inspect the ATM for possible skimming devices. If an ATM appears to have attachments or alterations to the card reader or keypad, do not use the machine.
• Make sure that no one is nearby that can view your PIN or transaction amount. 
• Minimize time spent at the ATM. Put your cash, card, and receipt away after your transaction. Count your money later and always keep your receipt. 

Online Shopping Safety:

• Start from a trusted website instead of shopping with a search engine. Search engines can be rigged to lead you away from where you actually want to go, especially once you get past the first few pages of links. If you know the site, there is less chance of it being a rip off. Be very cautious of misspellings or sites using a different top level domain (for example .net as opposed to .com). 
• Never, ever buy anything online from a site that doesn't have SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. You will know if the site has SSL encryption due to the fact the web address begins with https:// instead of just http://. Also a locked padlock icon will be present, usually next to the website address or in the status bar at the bottom of your browser dependent on what browser you use. 
• Never give card information out in an email.
• No online merchant would need your social security number or date of birth to conduct normal business. If crooks were to get this information in conjunction with your card number, they could do a lot of damage. Plus the more information they have, the easier it is to steal your identity.
• Don't wait for bills or statements to come in to check your transactions. Log into your BankOnLine regularly, more frequently around the holidays, to make sure everything you are seeing is yours - even from regular places you shop. If you find something you don't recognize, contact the bank immediately.
• Make sure your anti-virus and malware software is up to date and working properly. Tech-savvy thieves do not just wait for you to give them your information. They will try to slip something onto your system to help them along, most often through legitimate looking email attachments or vulnerabilities in your security.