Chip Card Scams: How to Protect Yourself
The FBI is warning about a chip card scam that involves tricking people into cutting up their debit or credit cards and giving the pieces to bad actors pretending to be from BECU. Learn how to spot this scam and how to protect yourself.
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According to the FBI's announcement, the chip card scam starts when a criminal calls or texts you, claiming to be from BECU. They may have even “spoofed” BECU's number, so it looks like a real call from BECU on your caller ID.
The criminal pretends they're calling about “suspicious activity” on your account and may ask you to validate made-up transactions.
Continuing the scam, they try to convince you that your account is at risk — and then ask you to cut up your debit or credit card, leaving the EMV chip intact. (That little chip is a gold mine to criminals. More on that later.)
The scammer then instructs you to leave the cut-up card in the mailbox or on your porch for a “courier” to pick up for security purposes. Soon after, someone comes to your home to get the card — which introduces yet another security concern. They may pretend to be from BECU or a delivery service, like FedEx.
While it's unclear how scammers might obtain a member's address, we know that BECU systems haven't been compromised, and we are not providing that information. Learn more about member account security at BECU.
Once the scammers have your cut-up card, they can use the portion of the card containing the EMV chip to access your account and steal money, make big purchases, set up wire transfers and more.
Although criminals seem to be targeting individuals, business owners should also stay alert. As this scam is evolving, some of the tactics may change.
How To Protect Yourself
Be Aware
- BECU will never ask you to cut up your debit or credit card and leave it outside your home.
- BECU doesn't make home visits. All member interactions happen at BECU locations or at official BECU events.
Confirm That the Communication is Real
A call or text may look like it's really coming from BECU, but in fact, fraudsters can spoof the BECU phone number. If you get a text that seems suspicious, don't reply, and don't click any links. If you get a suspicious phone call, hang up and call BECU back directly using the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
Be Careful With Personal Questions
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from BECU and asking you for sensitive personal information (e.g., your PIN, account number or password), we recommend hanging up immediately. Do not call the number back.
Don't Be in a Hurry
Scammers try to create a sense of urgency. Don't be pressured into acting quickly.
Be Proactive
By staying on top of your account activity, you'll be one step ahead of scammers. We encourage you to frequently log in and check your accounts in Online Banking or the mobile app. Setting up alerts can help you keep tabs on transactions so you're aware of any unauthorized activity.
Protect Your Card
When your debit or credit card expires — or you get a replacement card — dispose of it securely. Shred the card in a paper shredder or cut it into pieces, making sure to cut through the chip. Then throw away the pieces in separate trash cans.
To report fraud, suspicious activity, or a lost or stolen card during business hours:
- Send us a message. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Call 800-233-2328. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time.
- For TTY support, dial 711 to access the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS).
- BECU business members call 800-704-8080.
After-hours support:
- To report lost or stolen debit cards after BECU business hours, call 888-241-2510.
- To report lost or stolen credit cards after BECU business hours, call 866-820-2999. For TTY support 24/7, call 888-918-7323.
- For additional account support information, visit Contact Us.