PULSE Reminds ATM/Debit Cardholders to Exercise Simple Precautions When Getting Cash or Making Purchases; Common-Sense Tips Offered During ATM/Debit Card Safety Awareness Month

Business Wire, June 12, 2006

HOUSTON -- With Americans turning more and more to their ATM/debit cards to access cash and make purchases, one of the nation's leading electronic payments networks is offering consumers a set of simple, common-sense guidelines for card use that promote cardholder safety and security. PULSE EFT Association LP, a Discover Financial Services LLC company and provider of comprehensive ATM/debit network services, offers tips each June in observance of ATM/Debit Card Safety Awareness Month.

"While ATM and debit cards represent one of the most secure forms of payment, it is always important for cardholders to be aware of simple, hassle-free precautions that can dramatically reduce the risk of financial fraud or other losses involving a debit card," said Cindy Ballard, executive vice president of PULSE.

Ballard noted that consumers now make one-third of their in-store purchases with a debit card -- up from 21 percent six years ago, according to the Dove Consulting/American Bankers Association 2005/2006 Study of Consumer Payment Preferences.

As part of its national ATM/Debit Card Safety Awareness Campaign, PULSE offers cardholders the following recommendations:

ATM/Debit Card Security

--Treat your card like cash. Keep it in a safe place.

--Keep your personal identification number (PIN) a secret.

--Do not disclose your PIN over the phone to anyone -- not even your financial institution.

--Never disclose information about your card in response to an unsolicited e-mail or request.

--Protect your card's magnetic stripe. Do not expose your card's magnetic stripe to magnetic objects.

--Report a lost or stolen card to your financial institution immediately.

--Carefully review your account statements and, if available, frequently visit your online banking Web site to look for unauthorized transactions.

Security Tips at Walk-Up ATMs

--Observe the ATM surroundings before approaching a walk-up ATM. If anyone or anything appears to be suspicious, cancel your transaction and leave the area immediately.

--If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM. It is a good idea to take along a companion when using an ATM, especially at night.

--Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use. Do not let anyone see how much money you withdraw, and never count your money at the ATM.

--Never allow a stranger to assist you in conducting an ATM transaction, even if you have trouble or if your card is stuck.

--Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your PIN or transaction amount.

--Look for possible fraudulent devices attached to the ATM. If the ATM looks different or appears to have any alterations or attachments to the card slot or PIN pad, do not use it.

Security Tips at Drive-Up ATMs

--Keep the doors locked, windows up and engine running at all times when waiting in line.

--Leave enough room between cars to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary.

--Before lowering the window to use a drive-up ATM, observe the entire surrounding area.

--Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use. Once your transaction is complete, take your money, card and receipt and immediately drive away from the terminal.

--If anyone or anything appears to be suspicious, cancel your transaction and drive away immediately.

--If anyone follows you after you leave the ATM, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.

Point-of-Sale Debit Security

--Never allow the cashier or anyone else to enter your PIN for you, even if they are assisting you with the transaction.

--Block the view of others when using a point-of-sale (POS) debit terminal so that they cannot see your PIN.

--Be sure the transaction is complete and you have received a receipt before leaving.

--If you received cash back, put it away before leaving the terminal.

--When using an outdoor POS terminal, if anything looks suspicious, leave the area immediately.

--It is a good idea to take someone with you when using an outdoor POS terminal at night.

--If anyone follows you after you have completed your POS transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.

Computer and Telephone Security

--Do not provide personal and/or financial information in response to any unsolicited request.

--Do not reply to any unsolicited e-mail, pop-up message or phone call asking for personal and/or financial information. Legitimate businesses will never engage in these practices.

--If you initiate an online transaction that requires you to provide personal and/or financial information, look for Web site security indicators such as the letters "https" at the beginning of the Web address, as well as the padlock icon. While these indicators do not ensure the security of the site or your personal data, sites without them should be avoided.

--Do not click on any e-mail link if you suspect the message is fraudulent, not even to "unsubscribe."

--Do not send personal or financial information via e-mail. Regular e-mail is not encrypted.