Card Security and Monitoring

To protect your account, American Chartered Bank monitors your ATM and debit card transactions for potentially fraudulent or high-risk activity which may include:

• A sudden change in locale (such as when a U.S.-issued card is used overseas without prior notification)
• A sudden string of high-cost purchases
• A pattern of activity associated with fraud trends around the world
• Or transactions with merchants determined to be unsafe.

If we suspect fraudulent ATM or debit card use, we may decline your transaction and/or contact you to validate the legitimacy of the transaction in question. Please call us at 847-407-2300 during normal business hours if you have any additional questions or to notify us of upcoming travel plans.
 

To ensure we can continue to reach you whenever potential fraud is detected, please keep us informed of your correct phone number and address at all times.

Protect Yourself

The best way to protect yourself is to be diligent in monitoring transaction activity on your account and contact us immediately if you identify any fraudulent transactions. Here are a few more tips on protecting yourself from fraud.

1. Unless absolutely required for a legitimate business purpose, avoid giving out your:

• Address and ZIP code
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Card or account number
• Card expiration date 

Your PIN is private; never give it out.

2. In stores and at ATMs, always cover your card and PIN, and watch for:

• Cell phone cameras, mirrors, or other tools used to view cards and PINs
• People watching your transactions
• Cashiers taking your card out of sight; take it to the register yourself
• Any unusual activity at ATMs; if you feel uncomfortable, go to another ATM

3. Online, you should never respond to unsolicited emails that:

• Ask you to verify your card or account number; such emails are not sent by legitimate businesses
• Link to websites; such sites can look legitimate but may collect data or put spyware on your computer

As always, we strongly encourage you to protect yourself further by following these best practices:

• Closely monitor your account activity, either online or by promptly reviewing your monthly statements, to ensure all transaction activity matches your records.  If you observe any discrepancies, notify us immediately either online at www.americanchartered.com or by calling us at (847) 407-2300.
• Review your credit reports for accuracy on an annual basis.  You may obtain a free annual copy of your credit report by contacting any of the three credit reporting agencies: