The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grizzly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to... STEAL YOUR DEBIT CARD???
Is anyone else getting nervous about using their debit card? Of course, it is that time of year when we all get to be someone else for a day, but should we be handing out our debit card numbers like candy to trick-or-treaters? Furthermore, is it now more prudent to carry cash instead of cards while strolling down the street trying to avoid zombies? After all, it appears this October that a zombie’s food of choice is debit and credit card numbers instead of us!
With Staples and Home Depot joining the ranks of the ‘breached’, we all need to jump on the card security band wagon (or a witch’s broom if you prefer). Consumers need to be educated and credit unions, with their more personal member relations, are in the best position to provide that education. Otherwise, your members may end up in Sleepy Hollow.
Last week, I sat in on a few of the breakout sessions at the FLEX National User Conference, which was also attended by several card/payment processing vendors. Each processor provided attendees with a more clear understanding of EMV ‘smart’ chips and technology that will basically make card numbers useless to hackers. Knowing that card processors are scurrying to roll-out this new technology was somewhat comforting, yet led me to think: What should and can be done about card security in the meantime?
As for credit union core processors, our part comes by providing security of your core data and its integration with your card processor. By offering additional features, such as the FLEX Remote Controls for Cards, members have the ability to ‘turn-off’ their debit cards when fraud or lost/stolen cards are suspected. Remote Control Debit Cards and Remote Control Credit Cards also allow members to ‘turn-on’ their card when risks have been eliminated.
Needless to say, we all need to be vigilant – Because security features like remote control debit and credit cards from FLEX's Credit Union Core Technology will thrill you more than any ghoul would ever dare try...moooooowaahaahaa!!!
