How We Protect Your Account

We may be calling you.

To protect your account, we monitor your ATM and debit card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity, which may include a sudden change in locale (such as when a U.S.-issued card is used unexpectedly overseas or in another state), a sudden string of costly purchases, or any pattern associated with new fraud trends around the world.

If we suspect fraudulent ATM or debit card use, we'll be calling, texting or emailing you to validate the legitimacy of your transactions. Calls, SMS Text Messages* and emails are made 7 days a week between 8am and 9pm. Your participation in responding to our call is critical to prevent potential risk and avoid restrictions we may place on the use of your card.

• Our automated call or text will ask you to verify recent transaction activity on your card
• You'll be able to respond via your touchtone keypad
• You'll also be provided a toll-free number to call should you have additional questions.
• We won't ask for non-public personal information such as social security number, account number or debit card number.

Our goal, quite simply, is to minimize your exposure to risk and the impact of any fraud. 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.

Automated phone calls and SMS text messages will provide an option to opt out of the service. You may also opt out verbally by contacting any branch or calling Customer Information Center (CIC) at (781) 682-3715. If you have chosen to opt out, South Shore Bank strongly encourages that you have at least one form of notification engaged. Such as the “Alerts” feature within your Online Banking and Mobile Banking accounts or the “Manage My Cards” feature or you may download the CardValet APP.

If you are travelling anywhere, please inform us of your travel plans so we do not suspect transactions made out of the state or country as fraudulent transactions and place restrictions on your card. You may contact our CIC at (781) 682-3715 or email us at cic at southshorebank dot com.

Protect Yourself

In the meantime, please be diligent in monitoring transaction activity on your account and contact us immediately if you identify any fraudulent transactions. Here are some additional tips on protecting yourself from debit card 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, please feel free to call our Customer Information Center at (781) 682-3715 if you have any questions.