Blog

At American Heritage, we are continually looking for ways to provide our members with educational resources and tips that can aid in fighting frauds and scams, including card skimming. Members have access to various account tools to protect themselves against the ongoing and increased scam activity. Tools and digital services available to members include Mobile Teller card controls, eAlerts for each card transaction, and on-demand educational content on the Learning Center.

Common Scams Targeting Credit Cards

Card skimming involves criminals attaching devices to ATMs, gas station fuel pumps, or retail point-of-sale terminals to capture your card information. Scammers can then use your card information to create fake cards or make fraudulent purchases. Members are always advised to check the card reader slot and keypad to see if it feels loose or has any crooked or damaged parts. Skimming devices are more likely to be found on free-standing ATMs and gas stations. Additional credit card scams card scams to be aware of include phishing scams used to obtained your bank account or credit card details, online shopping scams occurring on fraudulent websites, and imposter scams that target your account and identity. 

Financial Institution Combatting Fraud

All federally insured banks and credit unions have standard operating procedures to ensure their products and services, like ATMs, are inspected and safeguarded to keep account information and funds safe. 

Financial Wellness Programs

As part of our social responsibility strategy, we are committed to educating members, Workplace Partner employees, associates, and the community at large. Through our partnership with Zogo, members can access the free financial education app to learn about a variety of topics at their own pace and reward themselves in the process. Module topics include investment fraud, online shopping fraud, and credit fraud to help sharpen fraud stopping skills.

We also offer a Learning Center that houses on-demand educational content including financial and lifestyle blogs, scam avoidance videos, guides, quizzes, and scheduled webinars that focus on relevant topics catered to our members’ needs. We have also increased the number of webinars and blog content centered on fraud and security in recent months in response the rise of spam activity.

Additionally, we have a dedicated Member Security resource page that provides members with answers to frequently asked fraud questions and steps to set up tools like card controls and reporting lost cards. We also have easily accessible security blogs that educate members and provide helpful tips on a dozen security topics.

Digital Account Management Tools

We encourage our members to enroll in our account management tools which provide you with low balance alerts and various card controls to help avoid overdraft situations.

eNotices

American Heritage members can receive to-the-minute activity updates via text or email that can be accessed in Online Teller. Some alert types include Notice of Overdraft Privilege Payment, Online Teller Information Change, Mobile Wallet Notification, Low Balance Alerts and more. Members can enroll through their online banking platform to use this feature.

eAlerts

Members can also set up text or email messages to stay on top of important information about account activity, including direct deposit received, low balance alerts, cleared checks and more. Members can sign up via Online Teller or the American Heritage Mobile App.

Card Controls

This safety feature allows members to activate a debit card, submit a travel notification, manage overdraft privilege, deactivate a lost or stolen card, change authorization limits and more. Members can enroll through American Heritage’s Mobile App to use this feature.

The best way to avoid falling victim to fraud or scams is to stay vigilant. It’s important to regularly brush up on your fraud-stopping skills and research the latest ways scammers are trying to obtain your information and funds. If you believe your information or account may be compromised, let your financial institution know immediately to avoid any additional fraud that may occur.