Both Scotia Bank and FirstBank have asked their customers to be on the alert because the banks experienced security breaches.
According to a press release from FirstBank, the breach was a result of recent security incidents in retail locations. FirstBank’s internal security processes detected an external security breach regarding some Visa debit card numbers.
In an effort to help minimize the adverse impact on clients, FirstBank indicated it took proactive measures to protect its clients’ financial services by restricting the use of the FirstBank Visa debit card to ATM transactions using the client’s personal identification number and at retail locations where PIN-based sales are accepted.
Scotiabank Vice President Lawrence Aqui said in a press release that the security breach was the result of the ongoing issue that originated externally with customer debit cards.
Scotiabank indicated it is closely monitoring customer activity. Where a transaction is identified as suspicious, customers are being contacted by the bank to verify activity on their cards. If fraudulent, the card will be blocked and the bank will replace the card. If the bank cannot reach a customer, it will place a temporary hold on the customer’s cards for his protection and ask the customer to call the bank as soon as possible.
Scotiabank said it expected to have the problem resolved shortly because safety and security of customer accounts and information is top priority. Proactive measures have been put in place, they said.
FirstBank and Scotiabank announced they will continue to carefully monitor all account transactions. The banks encouraged their clients to monitor their accounts and notify the bank immediately if they notice any fraudulent activity.
To obtain a temporary replacement card, FirstBank clients are advised to visit any of its branch locations. Clients may also contact the FirstLine Solutions Center toll free at 866-695-2511 in the U.S. Virgin Islands and 284-495-8899 in the British Virgin Islands.
Reach Scotiabank at 866-972-6842.
Both Aqui and Firstbank marketing manager Alana Alexander referred questions to the press releases.
