Blocked Areas for CheckCard Fraud

Recently, financial institutions across the country have seen a significant increase in fraudulent charges to customer accounts through CheckCards. While customers are not responsible for fraudulent charges when the bank is made aware of activity promptly, these charges do create serious concern for customers about the security of their accounts.

To minimize the concern of cardholders and risk to the bank, Republic Bank has blocked certain countries, states and merchants due to possible fraudulent activity/scams with our CheckCards.

Travel Tips for CheckCard Usage

• If you are planning to travel to a state outside of the Republic Bank market areas of KY, IN, FL or OH; please call us at 888-584-3600. We will check your destination against our Blocked States list and temporarily unlock your card for that destination, if necessary.
   
• If you travel to a blocked state, you will still be able to use your CheckCard for PIN based transactions.
   
• Representatives from our Fraud Detection service may call you if there has been any suspicious activity with your CheckCard. It is important we have the best phone number on file to reach you in the event that you have a transaction blocked - in most cases, your mobile number. If you would like to update your contact info, you may do so one of the following ways:
   
  • Log into Online Banking and select the “Online Forms” link located at the top of the page, from there you will see a link to our "Change of Address/Phone Number" form.
     
  • Contact your local Republic Bank banking center and ask to update your account information.
     
• Carry an alternate form of payment as backup, when you travel.
   
• If you have a transaction issue during your travels, call the number on the back of your CheckCard for assistance during our Telebanking hours. Click here for info for international travelers.

  ---

  
  

  How you can protect yourself

  Never open an email or attachment from an unknown source.   Always use a reputable firewall, anti spyware/anti virus software and be sure that it is has been updated with the latest patches.   If you receive any type of unsolicited email or pop-up message that ask for any type of personal info, don’t respond to it and notify your Internet Service Provider.   If you suspect that your computer has been infected by a virus, the computer will need to be properly repaired before it can be used again.   For more recommendations and technical support for your specific computer and network contact your Internet Service Provider. View more tips from the Fraud Department.

  Fraud Alert
  Pop-Up Advertisements Offering Anti-Virus Software Pose Threat To Internet Users
   

  An ongoing threat exists for computer users who, while browsing the Internet, began receiving pop-up security warnings that state their computers are infected with numerous viruses. 

  These pop-ups known as scareware, fake, or rogue anti-virus software look authentic and may even display what appears to be real-time anti-virus scanning of the user’s hard drive. The scareware will show a list of reputable software icons; however, the user cannot click a link to go to the actual site to review or see recommendations. 

  The scareware is intimidating to most users and extremely aggressive in its attempt to lure the user into purchasing the rogue software that will allegedly remove the viruses from their computer. It is possible that these threats are received as a result of clicking on advertisements contained on a website. Cyber criminals use botnets to push the software and use advertisements on websites to deliver it. This is known as malicious advertising or malvertising. 

  Once the pop-up appears it cannot be easily closed by clicking “close” or the “X” button. If the user clicks on the pop-up to purchase the software, a form is provided that collects payment information and the user is charged for the bogus product. In some instances, whether the user clicks on the pop-up or not, the scareware can install malicious code onto the computer. By running your computer with an account that has rights to install software, this issue is more likely to occur. 

  Downloading the software could result in viruses, Trojans, and/or keyloggers being installed on the user’s computer. The repercussions of downloading the malicious software could prove further financial loss to the victim due to computer repair, as well as, cost to the user and/or financial institutions due to identity theft. 

  The assertive tactics of the scareware has caused significant losses to users. The FBI is aware of an estimated loss to victims in excess of $150 million. 

  Be cautious—Cyber criminals use easy to remember names and associate them with known applications. Beware of pop-ups that are offer a variation of recognized security software. It is recommended that the user research the exact name of the software being offered. 

  Take precautions to ensure operating systems are updated and security software is current. 

  If a user receives these anti-virus pop-ups, it is recommended to close the browser or shut the system down. It is suggested that the user run a full, anti-virus scan whenever the computer is turned back on. 

  If you have experienced the anti-virus pop-ups or a similar scam, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov.