Identity Theft
Fraud
Alerts
As we discover identity theft frauds that are being perpetrated by telephone or via email, we will notify our customers and the local community. |
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February 17, 2009
Heartland Payment Systems Compromise
by Michael Behn, Chief Information Officer
We have learned that some Citizens Bank of Northern California Visa debit card information may have been compromised as a result of activities that took place at a major U.S. based payment processor, Heartland Payment Systems. Heartland processes debit and credit card transactions for more than 250,000 businesses nationwide. Published reports indicate information that may have been compromised at Heartland includes debit and credit card numbers and expiration dates. The incident is reported to have occurred between May 2008 and November 2008.
Although the access did not involve Citizens Bank’s computer systems and no personal account information on file at Citizens Bank was compromised, to further protect your account, we will be mailing new Visa Debit Cards and new pins to our customers.
Please note that we will not block use of current debit cards until customers activate the replacement cards; however, if you prefer that we block your card immediately, please let us know by going to any one of our Citizens Bank branches or contact us at (530) 478-6000.
As always, we encourage our customers to protect themselves by reviewing their account activity for any possible unauthorized transactions and immediately reporting unusual activity to our Bank representatives. Online Banking customers may review their accounts online.
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November 25, 2008
Telephone Identity Theft Fraud Alert
by Michael Behn, Chief Information Officer
Some debit card holders have received computer-generated phone calls claiming to be from their financial institution. These calls claim the cardholder's accounts have been frozen, and then direct the cardholder to call a toll-free number to leave their debit card information in order to reactivate their card. The toll-free number includes a recorded message that asks the customer to key in their card number, card expiration date, and PIN number.
Please do not fall prey to this scam. Your financial institution would never ask you for personal information such as your card number, social security, or PIN number over the phone. If you have been a victim of a scam, notify your local law enforcement office and your financial institution right away.
For more information on this Identity Theft Fraud Alert, call us at (530) 478-6000.
Updated . 11/25/08 |
