With the increase in identity theft and debit card fraud, it is critical to be aware of what fraudsters are doing and what you need to do to protect yourself.

What’s Your Responsiblity?

As a North Peace Savings MEMBER CARD holder, it’s your responsibility to protect your PIN as well as practice the tips below in order to protect yourself from this type of fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

Do:

• Memorize your PIN. Your PIN is your electronic signature. If you disclose your PIN to someone else, you could be held liable for losses.
• Use your hand or body to shield your PIN when you are conducting transactions at an ATM or at a point-of-sale terminal.
• Check your transaction records against your financial statements regularly.
• Keep a low limit on the amount of funds you can withdraw at an ATM. If your card information is jeopardized, the perpetrator only has access to limited funds, thereby reducing your potential liability.

Don’t:

• Pick an obvious or common PIN. Numbers like your address, telephone number, date of birth, etc. are all easy to find out. Choose something more complicated. If you don’t, you could be held liable for losses.
• Disclose your PIN to anyone, even friends or family.
• Let your MEMBER CARD debit card leave your sight when conducting a transaction. Don’t let it be swiped twice and remember to obtain your card and the receipt as soon as the transaction is complete.
• Ignore your instincts. Always be alert – if someone is watching you or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine.

To Report a Lost or Stolen Member Card

Most debit card fraud happens during non-business hours, i.e. late at night or on the weekends.  Fraud losses due to debit card skimming have been on the rise. In an attempt to reduce future losses, North Peace Savings asks Members to report a lost or stolen card immediately by calling us at 1.877.787.0361. In the event that you have called out of business hours, please leave a detailed message with your name, your telephone number, your Member Card number, and the date and time you suspected your card lost or stolen. We will call you back as soon as possible to make sure your accounts are safe and help you get a new card.

If you want to report a lost or stolen debit card call 1.877.787.0361.

At North Peace Savings & Credit Union (NPSCU), members automatically receive Buyer Protection and Extended Warranty on their MEMBER CARD® debit cards. With Buyer Protection, your purchases are covered against loss, theft or damage for a full 120 days after purchase! Plus, you’ll also receive the peace of mind of an Extended Warranty, which can double the manufacturer’s warranty up to one year longer! There is no cost to you, and no forms to fill out.

When you use your NPSCU debit card for a purchase, you’re protected with the following benefits:

Buyer Protection

This coverage offers protection on the purchase of most retail items – and that includes gifts!

For a full 120 days after the purchase, the item is protected if it’s stolen, dropped and broken or even consumed in a fire.

Making a purchase with a cheque? No problem! As long as the cheque is drawn on your insured account, you receive the same protection for your purchase.

Valid claims will be satisfied either by replacing the stolen or damaged item, or by a cash payment in an amount that does not exceed the total purchase price.

Extended Warranty

The program doubles the warranty period of a purchased item up to two years, as long as the manufacturer’s warranty is valid in Canada for five years or less. For example, when you purchase a blender, the manufacturer would typically offer a one-year warranty.

But, if you use your credit union debit card for the purchase, the blender would be protected under the terms of the original warranty for an additional one year period.

Best of all, there are no applications and no extra costs! It’s all included with your Member Card^®.

A unique benefit for credit union members!

Similar products are offered on credit cards, but this one is truly unique for debit cards and only available to credit union members.

• Buyer Protection coverage is a full 120 days from date of purchase
• Personal and home-based business purchases are protected
• Coverage is up to $60,000 lifetime
• Gifts are included
• Includes worldwide purchases, not just Canadian purchases
• Purchases made with a cheque drawn on your insured account are also protected

Are all types of purchases covered?

Many types of purchases are protected. Members have been reimbursed for items such as: jewelry, sunglasses, golf clubs, clothing, computer equipment, video games, cellphones, cameras, furniture, appliances, iPads, trampolines, toys, and more

What isn’t covered?

Examples of items not covered: cash, travelers cheques, motorized vehicles, items intended for commercial purposes, animals, living plants, food and other perishables; also, sporting items lost or damaged through the normal course of use.

Making a Claim

Be sure to always keep a copy of your transaction record, receipt, and (for warranty claims) the manufacturer’s warranty. Then, to make a claim, simply call 1 (800) 263-9120, ext. 605800 and a Claims Representative will assist you

North Peace Savings and Credit Union is a leader in the financial services industry.  Our MemberCard® is now enables with INTERAC Flash for all your transaction needs.

What is INTERAC® Flash Technology?

Interac Flash® technology is a contactless way of paying with your debit card. Now you can simply hold your card at a reader that supports the Interac Flash® service to make a payment instantly from your credit union account.

What are the Benefits to Consumers?

The primary benefit is that the Interac Flash® service is a fast and convenient way to pay for everyday purchases at the point-of-sale. Interac Flash® technology is built using the highest security available for contactless payments protecting it from electronic pickpocketing attacks.

Why is the Industry Moving to INTERAC® Flash Technology?

The move to Interac Flash® technology is the latest innovation in the rapidly changing payments environment, and demonstrates the industry’s responsiveness to consumer’s needs for convenience and security.

Do I need to Activate the INTERAC® Flash Feature on my Card?

Yes, the contactless payment feature is activated by a Chip and PIN transaction. This security feature helps ensure that the contactless feature is only used by the legitimate cardholder and is not usable while in transit.

How Does the INTERAC® Flash Service Work?

The symbol on your Member Card® debit card identifies it as one with Interac Flash® technology: An Interac Flash® purchase involves two steps:

1. You hold your card no more than 4 cm in front of the terminal or reader.
2. A beep and/or “approved” message on the terminal will acknowledge your purchase is complete.

When you use the Interac Flash® service, your purchase will automatically be debited from your credit union account.

Do I Get to Choose Whether or Not I Use The New Contactless Payment Feature or my Card and Pin?

Absolutely, you may choose which payment method you wish to use on any given transaction.

Where Can I Use the INTERAC® Flash Service?

You can pay for items using the Interac Flash® service at any participating merchant.

Watch for the Interac Flash® signage and/or the symbol on the merchant terminal’s display screen to identify Interac Flash® merchants.

You can pay for items using the Interac Flash® service at any participating merchant.

Will I be Able to Use the INTERAC® Flash Service Outside of Canada?

Interac Flash® technology is only supported at participating Canadian debit card merchants at this time. Outside Canada, use Chip & PIN or swipe transaction processing to make purchases or withdrawals.

Is the INTERAC® Flash Service Safe?

Yes, it is.

Can Someone Copy my Personal Information with a Scanner Just by Standing Close to me?

The Interac Flash® technology protects your card from being copied and counterfeited by using secure Near Field Contact (NFC) processing, which protects your information against skimming and counterfeiting. You don’t have to worry about someone watching or recording your PIN number when you are in a hurry.

As well, NFC processing prevents transaction replay types of fraud, including electronic pick-pocketing – events you may have heard about in other countries or with other technologies such as Radio Frequency ID, or RFID processing.

The data that passes from the card to the terminal only contains payment codes related to that specific transaction. Your personal information is safe and secure.

What if Someone Steals my Card – What Will Stop Them from Emptying my Account?

Another layer of safety comes from limits set on your Member Card® debit card enabled with the Interac Flash® service. The maximum amount per purchase using the Interac Flash® service is $250. On top of that, there is a cumulative spend limit of $400. Once this limit is reached (regardless of time in which it is reached), you will be asked to insert your card and enter your PIN to complete the transaction.

Are There Any Other Consumer Protections in Place?

Consumers are protected by the terms and conditions of your Member Card® debit card PIN agreement, in addition to the Interac Zero Liability policy.

For your part, it is important that you:

• Prevent others from using or accessing your card, by keeping it secure and within your control at all times.
• Monitor your accounts and immediately report any suspicious activity.
• Immediately report your card if it becomes lost or stolen.

Please refer to your Member Card debit card PIN Agreement for more information.

Do I Need to Keep my Card in an Aluminum Case or Some Type of Card Protector?

No. The NFC technology inherent to the Interac Flash® service protects your card from being copied and counterfeited. You can use and carry your card with confidence, knowing no one can pickpocket information or process fraudulent transactions.

How Will I Track Purchases I’ve Made Using the INTERAC® Flash Service?

You will be able to get receipts just the way you do today with your Chip and PIN debit purchases. Each transaction will be itemized on your statement.