President's Choice Financial MasterCard

Encryption scrambles all information between your personal computer and the secured areas of the web site and guarantees one of the highest levels of security, privacy and confidentiality. Your banking information and transactions are kept secure by using one of the best commonly-used encryption technologies available: 128 bit encryption.

SSL server authentication allows you to confirm a web server's identity. Your browser can automatically check that a server's certificate and public ID are valid and have been issued by a certificate authority (CA), such as VeriSign. Authentication is vital for secure e-commerce transactions in which you are sending private and confidential information over the web and first want to verify the receiving server's identity.

An encrypted SSL connection requires all information sent between a client (your computer) and a server to be encrypted by the sender and decrypted by the receiver. This protects private information from being intercepted over the Internet. In addition, all data sent over an encrypted SSL connection is protected with a mechanism for detecting tampering - that is, for automatically determining whether the data has been altered in transit. This means that you can confidently send private data, such as your account info, to us via our website trusting that SSL keeps it private and confidential.

We use Extended Validation (EV) SSL, the highest standard in the Internet security industry for Web site authentication, to secure your online transaction with us. EV SSL signifies that our organization has passed a rigorous identity authentication process. The EV SSL Certificate triggers your browser address to display https:// and if you use a browser released in 2007 or later (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 7) your address bar will turn a noticeable green color.

There are many types of web browsers on the market today and they all have varying degrees of security. This is because they use different technologies for encryption, making some web browsers more secure than others. Even Netscape Navigator has two different levels of encryption security: 40-bit encryption and the more secure 128-bit encryption. The secure banking area of the site requires 128-bit encrypted versions of Netscape Navigator (version 4.0 and up) and Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 4.0 and up) at this time.

If you use Netscape Navigator, simply look in your browser's 'Help' menu and select 'About Netscape' or 'About Communicator'. Scroll down to the graphic that mentions 'RSA encryption'. You will read the encryption that that particular browser offers.

If you use Internet Explorer in Windows 95/98/2000/ME, look in your browser's 'Help' Menu and select 'About Internet Explorer.' You will read the encryption that that particular browser offers.

• Keep your account information and password secret.
• Don't leave your account information or password in an open area where a passerby might see it.
• Never leave your computer screen unattended while in the secure banking area of the site.
• Always sign off online banking and close your browser if you're going to step away from your computer.
• Don't send privileged account information (account number, password, etc.) via e-mail.
• Don't use passwords that incorporate your name, telephone number, address or birth date or those of any close friend or relative.
• Change your password monthly; don't reuse the same password for at least one year.
• Don't use a password you use for anything else.
• Don't use any part of your President's Choice Financial MasterCard account number as your password.
• Use a quality anti-virus program on your computer as often as possible.
• Frequently check the most current information about your browser (this can be found at your browser's web site) for changes and upgrades.

If you share a computer and Internet connection with someone, that other person could view your confidential financial information by hitting the Back button on your Web browser after you have used it to do your banking. You can keep your private information secure by clearing your browser's cache after your banking session or by closing your web browser. Follow these instructions to clear your browser's cache:

Netscape Navigator 4.x
1. From the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences".
2. Select the "Advanced" option.
3. Select the "Cache" option.
4. To remove all the files currently in your memory cache, click "Clear Memory Cache."
5. Click OK.
6. To remove all the files currently in your disk cache, click "Clear Disk Cache."
7. Click "OK."
8. To exit, click "OK."

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x
1. Select "Tools" from the browser menu bar
2. Select "Internet Options"
3. Click the "general' tab
4. Click the "Delete Files" button in the "Temporary Internet Files" box
5. Click "OK"
6. To exit, click "OK"

Below are examples of the fraudulent e-mails currently in circulation. President's Choice Financial wants to assure our customers the authorities have been notified regarding this situation.

Example 1
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2010 12:15:19 -0500
From: onlinesecurity@presidentschoice.ca
Subject: Online Services is Locked
Our Valued Customer,

Your access to Online Services has been suspended. Due to a miss-match access code between your Security information.
To enable you continue accessing your online account it will only take you few minutes to re-activate your account. Click on the link below and you will be taken straight to where you can activate your account.

http://www.txn.banking.pcfinancial.ca/a/authentication/

Important Notice:- You are strictly advised to match your Security information rightly to avoid service suspension.
Thank You.
Presidential Choice Customer Services.

Example 2
Date: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 11:34 AM
From: Presidents Choice Financial [mailto:service@pcfinancial.ca]
Subject: Your Online Access Suspended.

Dear Valued PC Choice Bank Customer,

PC Choice Online Helpdesk is hereby announcing the New Security Upgrade. To enable you continue accessing your online account it will only take you few minutes to upgrade your account.

Due to this recent upgrade, you are requested to update your account information by clicking the link below.

https://www.pcfinancial.ca/a/authentication/preSignOn.ams?

Important Notice:- You are strictly advised to match your security questions correctly to avoid service denial.

President's Choice Bank
Security Advisor
Online Banking Customer Services.

Example 3
Date: Friday, February 05, 2010 4:32 PM
From: President's Choice Financial [mailto:update@pcfinanciall.ca]
Subject: Important Information Regarding Your Account !

Dear Member,

As part of our efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for the online community, we regularly screen account activity.
Our review of your account has identified an issue regarding its safe use.
We have placed a restriction on your account as a precaution.

To lift the restriction we will require some further information from you.

If, once we review your further information and we're confident that the use of your account does not present a safety risk to our service and customers, we'll be happy to reinstate your account.
We have sent you an attachment which contains all the necessary steps in order to restore your account access. Download and open it in your browser.
After we have gathered the necessary information, you will regain full access to your account.

We thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Very sincerely,

President's Choice Financial Review Department

Please rest assured the President's Choice Financial services online banking web site remains secure.
President's Choice Financial services will never ask you to respond via e-mail to any requests for private or personal information including passwords, personal information numbers or sign in information. If you have any doubts about any other types of e-mails you receive from any President's Choice Financial services provider, please check the President's Choice Financial services web site (by typing www.pcfinancial.ca directly into your browser instead of selecting the link in the e-mail), or call us at 1-888-723-8881. If you think you have been the target of an attempted e-mail fraud, do not reply to the e-mail ' delete it immediately.

Protect yourself when banking online & email fraud hints

Don't fall victim to fraud

What is fraud?
Fraud is generally defined in the credit card world as any transaction that was not authorized by the cardholder or an authorized user. These transactions can occur in a number of different ways as described below.

Fraud definitions:
Lost or stolen card - you, the cardholder are no longer in possession of your cards after having lost the card at an unknown place or time or, after realizing that your card was stolen from your purse or wallet, home, office, etc. Fraud occurs when the lost/stolen card is subsequently used without your permission.

Non-receipt - you did not receive a new or replacement card that was sent to you by your credit card company. You may have no idea that the card went missing until you receive a statement listing transactions not made by you.

Fraudulent application - your personal information is used by someone else to apply for a credit card in your name without your permission. Personal information may include your name, address, SIN, and date of birth.

Counterfeit - you're in possession of the card issued to you by your bank, however transactions appear on your account statement not made by you. This could be an indication that a counterfeit card bearing your account number is in circulation and being used at the same time you're making legitimate purchases. Recent media reports about 'skimming' refer to this type of fraud.

Account takeover - you're in possession of your card and somebody posing as you "takes over" your account by requesting a replacement card on the same account, usually to be mailed to a different address. You would not have any knowledge that this has been done until you receive an account statement showing transactions not made by you or, you fail to receive your monthly account statement.

No card present - you're in possession of your card and somebody has made transactions using the card number only, as in the case of mail orders, phone orders, or Internet transactions. You may not know this has been done until you receive an account statement showing mail/phone order or online transactions not made by you.

Other - there are other scenarios that are classified as fraud, but don't fall into the described categories. An example would be the theft and subsequent use of balance transfer cheques, which you may or may not have ordered from your bank.

Minimize your risk of becoming a victim - as a MasterCard cardholder, you're not liable for any fraud losses on your account as long as you exercise reasonable care in managing your MasterCard. The best defence against fraud is to prevent your card or account number from being compromised to the best of your ability as a cardholder. Read Self Defence 101.

What is President's Choice Financial MasterCard doing to help protect me?
President's Choice Financial MasterCard uses 'best in class' fraud detection tools right from the start of your application. We provide fraud monitoring to our customers on their transactions and have a dedicated team of fraud specialists available to work with customers impacted by fraud. PC Financial' MasterCard also offers products that can help you manage your accounts and personal information. Find out more

Find out more

Though credit cards are infinitely safer to use than cash and cheques, their spending power makes them a logical target for pickpockets, scam artists, and fraud. There are many safeguards to protect you and your card.

Guard your card
Beyond the protections provided by your card issuer, there are some common sense steps you can take to defend against card loss, card fraud, and unauthorized charges. Loss and theft usually occur in circumstances that can be avoided. So, learn to guard your card.

• Never provide personal details that make you uncomfortable.
  TIP: If you access your credit card information online, never tell anyone your password. Similarly, if you use your card for cash withdrawals at an ATM, don't allow others to see your PIN # and don't write it down ' memorize it.
• Sign each new card and record your card number. Signing your card makes it more difficult for someone else to use. And, reporting a lost or stolen card is easier when you know the card number.
  TIP: When you're done with a card, cut it in pieces immediately so others can't use it, and contact the issuer to close your account.
• Don't leave your credit cards lying around. Unfortunate as it may seem, credit cards are most often stolen in the workplace. And places such as cars, restaurants, or hotels are also popular with thieves.
  TIP: Keep your cards in your wallet or your purse, and keep them with you.
• Report lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.
  TIP: Most fraudulent purchases are made in the hours immediately after a theft.

Familiarize yourself with some common scams

• Prizes and awards that require a deposit may be a front for scams.
  TIP: Avoid prizes that require up-front credit card payments, or those that are available only by phone or online and can't be confirmed with a local store or well-known and reputable company.
• Direct mail that asks you to dial a '900' number to win may set you up for a series of unauthorized payments.
  TIP: If you are given a prize and then offered an upgrade for a small charge, do not provide your credit card number unless you are completely certain with whom you're dealing. Often such unauthorized charges cannot be traced.
• Charitable organizations usually represent a worthwhile cause or individuals needing assistance. Sadly, a few are scams.
  TIP: Do not provide donations by phone until you have verified that the charity is legitimate. If you would like to make a donation, request written material by mail, ask for a written guarantee, or simply educate yourself about the charity by doing some research.

Identity theft is the fastest growing type of fraud. Crooks can do bad things with your good name. Protect your precious personal information.
Ask all marketing, research or charity callers for:

• Detailed, written information that you can check yourself.
• Time to think about the offer. Scam artists pressure you for an answer, saying the offer will expire or go to the next person if you don't act now.
• Valid references and the means to contact them.
• A call-back number. But beware ' a crook can give you a number where a colleague is standing by to finish taking your money.

Shred unwanted personal documents such as transaction records, credit applications, insurance forms, cheques, financial statements and tax returns.

The right information can help you avoid falling for fraud. When a caller asks you to send money in order to claim a big prize, it's fraud! You'll lose your money. When a caller asks for your Social Insurance or driver's licence number, don't give it to them! You could lose your identity and your money.

• The caller is much more excited than you are.
• The caller demands an immediate answer but refuses to send you anything in writing.
• You must pay fees or buy a product before you can collect your prize or obtain credit.
• You are asked for credit card or bank account numbers, or copies of personal documents ' but you get nothing in writing.
• You can only send payment by wire service or by courier.
• The price for a product is very much less than the price for the same product on the open market.
• You are offered a large payment or reward in exchange for allowing the use of your bank account ' often for depositing cheques or transferring money.
• You receive a larger cheque than you expect.
• Your business is invoiced for office supplies or directory listings you did not order.

Criminals want you to do their banking for them. If they earn your trust, they'll use your account to cash phony cheques, collect funds from other accounts, and move stolen money offshore. They use a variety of schemes to convince you that they're legitimate. Some will even give you money to earn your trust. By accepting and re-directing electronic deposits (such as wire transfers), you could be participating in a money-laundering scheme if those deposits were proceeds of a fraud or other criminal activity. The stories vary, but the results are the same: fraud and financial loss.

Common fraud stories

Legitimate lottery and sweepstakes administrators never charge fees to deliver your prize. This is one of the most common scams - if you send money you will never get it back.

The face of fraud: it's not who you think
Believe it or not, there is no typical fraud victim in Canada. Research finds that fraud victims are likely to be educated, well-informed, relatively affluent and involved in their communities. Your risk of becoming a fraud victim is not linked to your age, race, income or geographic location. Scammers don't care about any of that, they just want your money.

You wouldn't fall for it?
Thousands of Canadians are defrauded each year. Scam artists are well-organized and informed. They use the latest trends and sophisticated techniques:

• Professional marketing materials.
• Well-crafted and well-researched telephone scripts, which are traded among criminals.
• Putting you at ease with their friendly tone and "generous" offer.
• Having believable answers ready for your tough questions.
• Impersonating legitimate businesses, charities, and causes.
• Expertly using your own emotions against you.
• These are professional criminals. They know what they're doing and, unfortunately for their victims, they do it well.

Despite your best efforts, there's still a chance that you could become a victim of credit card fraud. Save time and worry by following the steps below:

• Call your credit card company immediately. The company may want to cancel your current card and issue you a new one. Check to verify that your mailing address has not been changed.
• If you're still in possession of your card but fraudulent purchases have been made on the account, call your credit card company to report the fraud and request a new card.
• In the event of a fraud application being made in your name or if you are a victim of an account takeover, contact the credit bureaus to let them know you're a victim. A "Fraud Alert" message will be placed on your file. You should also request a copy of your credit bureau report and you should review it carefully for any information that may be incorrect. Contact the credit bureaus at:

Equifax: 1-800-465-7166
TransUnion: 1-877-525-FVAD (3833)

• Continue to check your statements in the following months to ensure the problem is completely resolved.
• Report the fraud activity to the proper authorities. Your credit card company will advise you if they require that you make a police report. If your Social Insurance Number was compromised, you should report the incident to Human Resources Development Canada at 1-800-206-7218.
• If you're a victim of an account takeover or a fraud application, or if you've been defrauded due to phone solicitation, report the incident to Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501. Phonebusters is a central agency that collects information on telemarketing complaints and victims of fraud applications throughout Canada and disseminates this information to the appropriate enforcement agency.

For general information on FRAUD SCAMS:

• Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.com
• Canadian Bankers Association at www.cba.ca
• Government of Canada at 1-800-O-CANADA (622-6232) or www.canada.gc.ca

To report a compromise of your PERSONAL INFORMATION:

• Canada Post at 1-800-267-1177 or www.canadapost.ca
• Human Resources Development Canada at 1-800-206-7218 or www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
• Phonebusters (and the Competition Bureau) at 1-888-495-8501 or www.phonebusters.com
• Equifax Canada at 1-800-465-7166 or www.equifax.ca
• TransUnion Canada (Fraud Victim Assistance Dept.) at 1-877-525-3823 or www.tuc.ca

To report a LOST/STOLEN CARD or suspicious activity on your account, you must call your MasterCard Issuer directly:

President's Choice Bank: 1-866-246-7262

Used with permission from MasterCard® Canada © 2005