News

Pulse encourages e-payment security

June 6, 2007

HOUSTON - Pulse EFT Association has launched an annual nationwide effort to encourage consumers to review and practice safety tips when using their ATM/debit cards. New this year is an increased focus on privacy and fraud protection, Pulse says.

"We want to encourage cardholders to be well informed when it comes to card-safety measures," said Cindy Ballard, Pulse's executive vice president.

As part of the campaign, Pulse is offering tips to its participating financial institutions for everything from drive-up ATM safety to precautions for preventing identity theft. The tips are delivered through a variety of materials, including lobby brochures, card protectors, deposit envelopes, statement inserts, electronic brochures and Web site links.

"While fraud historically has occurred most often in isolated instances at ATMs or at the point of sale, most in the industry agree that the nature of fraud is shifting," Ballard said. "In some cases, we're starting to see fraud that is larger in scale and more organized."