Safety, Security & Fraud

Notify the bank IMMEDIATELY if your card is lost or you see fraudulent transactions. Do not wait to call us.

Report Lost/Stolen or Fraudulent Transactions:

• For a HCBT Debit Card: 866-960-2498
• For a HCBT Credit Card: 866-604-0381

With the HCBT app, you can temporarily block your debit card at the touch of a button. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Login to your HCBT app and go to Manage My Cards. You will be asked to re-enter your password for security purposes.
2. Click on Block Card to prevent card transaction temporarily. (*does not include pending, recurring or automatic payments setup through your account.)
3. Then, unblock your card when you're confident it's ready to use again.

Always keep your credit or debit card in a safe and secure place.

Securely dispose of old cards and the accompanying paperwork.

Examine the front of ATMs, gas pumps and card machines for unusual attachments that may be disguised as part of the machines. If anything looks out of place, do not use it. Please call the financial institution and notify the merchant's employees so that law enforcement can be contacted. 

If you'll be traveling within the US, turn on location services for the HCBT app! By enabling this feature, we can determine it's you making purchases while you're away from home.

If traveling outside of the US, prior to your departure, contact the Debit Card Enhanced Help Center at 866-960-2498 to submit a travel notice, providing your departure date, where you will be traveling and your return date. This allows your debit card to be used without issue while traveling in foreign countries.

Always treat unsolicited offers with suspicion. 

• If you receive a request or offer via e-mail, pop-up message or by phone that requires you to provide or confirm personal information, call the business using a phone number other than the one given to confirm the legitimacy of the request or offer.
• If the inquiry seemingly originates from a known and trusted entity, use the number on the back of your card or on your monthly statement. 
• Remember, if it seems too good to be true- it probably is.

Make payments electronically when possible. 

• Electronic payments reduce the amount of paper floating around with personal information on it.
• Use our Online Banking Bill Payment feature to make payments to companies (utilities, cards, charities, medical facilities, etc.).  

Shop carefully online. 

• If you initiate an online transaction and must provide personal data, look for indicators that the site is secure like ”https” in the Web address or the closed padlock icon in the bottom frame of your browser. Avoid sites without these indicators.
• It is also wise to conduct financial transactions only on wired Internet connections- wireless connections can be more vulnerable to attack. 
• It is generally safer to use a prepaid gift card (available at our local branches) or credit cards for electronic purchases.

Use updated anti-virus software, anti-spyware and a firewall to prevent attacks on your computer, tablet or phone.

• Some phishing and pharming attacks contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge.
• Do not click on links or buttons if you are not familiar and comfortable with the source of the information.
• When in doubt, contact the sender to verify the email or text is legit.

Review your account statements regularly. 

• Verify all transactions by matching receipts to checking, savings, and credit card account statements. Frequently reviewing activity online helps identify unauthorized activity between monthly statements.
• Setup alerts for Debit Cards in either the HCBT app or through your Online Banking.

Review your credit report every year.

• You are entitled to one free credit report each year, from each credit bureau (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax). You may also obtain a free report, log on to annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228. Some suggest doing a different credit bureau every 4 months, so you have a revolving source of information.
• Utilize Credit Sense via the HCBT app or Online Banking to keep monitoring your credit at your fingertips when convenient for you.

Protect Your Purse or Wallet

• One of the leading causes of identity theft is lost or stolen belongings containing personal information. Minimize the number of items you carry that contain personal information, such as your Social Security card.
• Consider RDIF protection to combat those who try to steal your information.

• Shred all personal and financial documents before disposing of them.
• Destroy unused debit, ATM and credit cards.
• Remove mail promptly from your post office/ residence mailbox.
• Memorize PINs, Passwords and Social Security Numbers– do not carry them with you!
• Use longer, more complex PINs and change them often.
• If a Signature Line space is available, sign all debit and credit cards immediately!
• Never use your PIN as a password.
• Never disclose your PIN or account password to any individual for any reason.