Debit Card Fraud Prevention | Northern Illinois

Debit Card Chip Technology

Debit card chip technology provides an additional layer of security to help reduce certain types of fraud resulting from data breaches. As part of our commitment to your financial security, American Community Bank & Trust offers chip debit cards to all of our clients. Simply insert your card into a chip reader or continue to swipe the magnetic strip as before.

3-D Secure

3-D Secure is a globally adopted authentication solution designed to make eCommerce transactions more secure in real-time. 3-D Secure provides an additional layer of security for eCommerce transactions prior to authorization. It enables the exchange of data between the merchant, card issuer and, when necessary, the consumer, to validate that the transaction is being initiated by the rightful owner of the account.

Unauthorized Debit Card Activity

Debit card fraud is very prevalent today and, to protect your account, we actively monitor our clients' debit card transactions to try to detect potential fraudulent activity. If we suspect something is out of the ordinary, we may call you to verify the legitimacy of the transactions. Your participation in responding to our call is critical in preventing risk and avoiding restrictions that could be placed on your card while we investigate suspicious or unusual transactions.

During normal banking hours, American Community Bank & Trust may contact you to review any transactions that seem out of the ordinary. We will call the primary phone number we have on file. Please note it is very important that we have your primary phone number on file. Please help us by ensuring we have accurate and current contact information.

In some instances, and after normal banking hours, the Fraud Detection Center will contact you to review any transactions that seem out of the ordinary.

To verify your identity, the automated system will ask you to enter your zip code.
You will be asked to verify one or more recent transactions. If fraud is confirmed or suspected, you will be transferred to a representative. If the transactions are legitimate, no further action will be required.

If you are not available to answer the call, a message will be left and a call-back phone number will be provided. If the call was originated by the Fraud Detection Center, you will be given an authentication number to retrieve your alert and you will be asked to approve the transaction or identify it as fraudulent.

Using Your Card Abroad

Your debit card is a safe and convenient way to make purchases when traveling.

*Some travel restrictions may apply, please contact your banker to discuss.