Prepaid Card Security Information

Resolving Fraud

Reporting Fraud

To report a suspicious email that uses Bank of America's name, forward it to us immediately at abuse@bankofamerica.com.

  • Fraudulent activity — report fraudulent activity on your Bank of America accounts:

    		 Money Network customers: 1.800.845.8683
    		All other Prepaid Card customers: 1.866.213.4074

  • Lost or stolen Prepaid Card

    		 Money Network customers: 1.800.845.8683
    		All other Prepaid Card customers: 1.866.213.4074

We'll cancel your card and issue a replacement immediately.

 
 

Fraud Prevention and Identity Theft

 

Step by Step Identify Theft Resolution
What to do if you think your identity has been stolen

  • Contact Bank of America immediately to close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.

  • Close other accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

  • File a police report.

  • File your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps the FTC gather more information about identity theft and the problems victims are having.


How to prevent fraud

Safeguard your Social Security number

  • Never provide your Social Security number unless you have initiated the contact and have confirmed the business or person's identity

  • Do not use your full or partial Social Security number as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or a password

  • If you must provide your Social Security number in an email or on a Website ensure that it is encrypted, and you know how the recipient will protect it

  • Do not record your Social Security number on a check, traveler's check, gift certificate, etc., unless required by law

  • Don't carry your Social Security card and be cautious of your surroundings when disclosing your Social Security number.

 

Eliminate paper

  • Reduce the amount of mail and paper with your personal information printed on it to reduce the chance of criminals stealing it

  • Stop receiving paper account statements and canceled checks. View and download them online instead.

 

Secure your computer

  • Anti-spyware and anti-virus protection detects and removes viruses and spyware, which can steal vital information

  • A firewall prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to a computer, or monitoring transfers of information to and from the computer

  • Operating system and software updates, sometimes called "patches" or "service packs," should be installed as soon as possible


Using your card, your PIN and ATMs safely

The suggestions that follow offer some simple tips on protecting your card and PIN and on exercising care when using an ATM. Please review them carefully.

 

Protect Your ATM Card and Personal Identification Number (PIN)

  • Always protect your card by keeping it in a safe place. If your card is lost or stolen, contact Bank of America immediately.

  • Always protect your PIN. You should never give your PIN to anyone and you should never write your PIN anywhere, especially on your card. When you choose your PIN, avoid using obvious numbers such as telephone numbers, addresses, or birth dates.

  • Never give information about your card or PIN over the telephone. If someone is asking for this information, refuse and immediately contact Bank of America.

 

Protect Your Privacy

  • While at the ATM, enter your PIN discreetly, shield the keypad with your hand or body. After completing your transaction, be sure to put away your card, cash, and transaction record before exiting the ATM area. Count the cash later in the safety of your locked car or home.

  • Do not leave your transaction record at the ATM. Keep your transaction record in a safe place, so you can

 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings at ATMs

  • Look around when you walk up to the ATM or exit the ATM. If you notice anyone or anything suspicious or that you deem unsafe, such as lighting around the ATM not working, use another ATM or return later.

  • When you enter or exit an ATM in an enclosed area, be sure you close the entry door completely. Do not open locked ATM vestibule doors for others or allow any unknown persons to enter the ATM area while you are making your transaction. Authorized customers should have their own access.

  • When you use a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are closed and your doors are locked.

  • If you must use an ATM at night, consider taking someone with you.

  • The activity around Bank of America ATMs may be monitored or recorded by surveillance cameras.

 

Request Emergency Assistance

  • If you need emergency assistance, call 911 from the nearest telephone. If you have a complaint about the security of a Bank of America ATM, call our Corporate Security Department at 1.800.222.7511.

  • Report all crimes immediately to law enforcement officials and your local banking center.


Identity theft assistance

Bank of America is committed to helping victims of identity theft. We also offer the services of ITAC (Identity Theft Assistance Center) to help with identity theft recovery, prevention and education.

 
 

Detecting Fraud

 

Monitor your accounts regularly

Why it's important to review activity

We recommend frequently reviewing your account activity online. Here are some benefits to consider:

  • Over 50 percent of all identity fraud is first discovered by the victim.

  • The sooner fraud is detected, the lower the financial impact.

  • Customers who access their accounts online detect fraud and identity crime earlier than those who rely on mailed statements.

  • Customers who set up email alerts receive timely notification about important activity in their accounts, which can help identify fraud quickly.

  • Customers who choose to receive electronic statements instead of mailed statements reduce their risk of mail fraud.


Recognize fraud and identify theft

What you should look for

It's important to learn how to recognize suspicious activities that may indicate possible fraud or identity theft. Fraud is an act that occurs when someone uses your account to make unauthorized purchases, usually when the account number or card has been stolen. The following may be signs of fraud:

  • If you did not receive an expected bill or statement by mail

  • If unexpected charges occurred on your account

  • If there are charges on your account from unrecognized vendors


On the other hand, identity theft happens when a thief steals information such as your name, birth date or Social Security number to open credit cards, mortgages and other accounts without your knowledge. The following may be signs of identity theft:

  • If you find new accounts on your credit report that are not yours

  • If you receive credit cards that you didn't apply for

  • If you are denied credit or are offered less than favorable credit terms for no reason

  • If you get calls from creditors or debt collectors regarding merchandise or services that you did not buy

Prepaid Card Privacy Notice – Spanish