Security and Fraud

PC Financial® Security & Fraud Protection

At PC Financial®, your online security for Mastercard® and PC Money™ Accounts is paramount. We are committed to protecting your information with numerous security technologies and controls from the moment you apply or sign in. Learn more about our essential security features, common fraud schemes, and how you can safeguard yourself online.

Understanding Fraud

In the credit card world, fraud is generally defined as any transaction that was not authorized by the cardholder or an authorized user. These unauthorized transactions can occur in various ways:

Lost or Stolen Card: Your card is used without your permission after being lost or stolen.
Non-Receipt: A new or replacement card sent to you was intercepted and used for unauthorized transactions before you received it.
Fraudulent Application: Your personal information (e.g., name, address, birthday, SIN) is used by someone else to apply for a credit card in your name without your consent.
Account Takeover: Someone impersonates you to gain control of your account, often by requesting a replacement card to be sent to a different address.
Email/SMS/Phone Phishing: You receive fraudulent communications (phishing or brand spoofing) designed to trick you into clicking malicious links, calling fake numbers, or revealing personal and account information on deceptive websites.

Stay Vigilant

Malicious actors constantly target financial institutions and customers. Your active participation in security is vital.

Be Cautious: Always be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, Social Insurance Number, or banking details.
Additional Resources:
- Visit our Information for Seniors page for specific guidance on identifying scams.
- Explore a detailed list of known scams and access additional fraud-related resources on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website.

Protect Yourself

Self-Defense & General Security Best Practices

Protect Your Digital Devices & Software

Keep Software Updated: Regularly download and install the latest security updates for your web browser and operating system (Windows, macOS), and all mobile apps. Configure automatic updates where possible.
Install Security Software: Use up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software to protect against viruses and malicious programs.
Personal Firewall: Install a personal firewall and disable file-sharing software to prevent unauthorized access to your computer and data.
Device Protection: Protect your mobile phone, tablet, and computer with a strong password or other lock protection (e.g., biometrics). Set devices to automatically lock after inactivity.

Secure Your Online Browsing & Communications

Public Computers: When using public computers (libraries, internet cafés ), always sign off from secure sites, clear your browser cache, and close the browser before leaving.
Secure Connections: Before entering any confidential information online, ensure the website address starts with "https://" (the "s" indicates a secure connection).
Verify URLs: Double-check the web address (URL) of your bank site before entering sensitive information.
Email Scams (Phishing):
- Be vigilant against fraudulent emails designed to trick you. Never click links, open attachments, or call phone numbers from suspicious emails.
- PC Financial® will never ask you to respond via email, SMS, or phone calls for private or personal information, including passwords, PINs, or sign-in details.
- If you have any doubts about a communication, call the number on the back of your card to verify its legitimacy. If you suspect an attempted email fraud, delete it immediately.
- Never Send PII via Email: Do not send confidential account or personal information (like account numbers or passwords) through email.
Unattended Devices: Never leave your computer, phone, or tablet unattended while logged into your PC Financial® account.
Unsecure Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing your PC Financial® account over unsecure public Wi-Fi networks.

Manage Your Passwords & Personal Information

Keep Secrets Secret: Keep your account information, including usernames, passwords, and PINs, strictly confidential. Memorize them; do not write them down or share them with anyone.
Strong, Unique Passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for each account. Use passphrases or combine upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Enable multi-factor authentication.
Password Manager: Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and securely store your credentials.
No Personal Info in Passwords: Avoid using personal information (name, address, birth date) in your passwords.
Change Immediately: If you suspect someone knows your password, change it right away.
PIN Entry: When entering a PIN at an ATM or POS, shield the keypad to prevent others from observing.
Shred Documents: Protect your personal information by shredding unwanted documents such as transaction records, credit applications, financial statements, and tax returns. Do not carry your Social Insurance Number card unless necessary.
Review Credit Report: Review your credit report at least once a year by contacting a credit bureau to ensure accuracy.
Notifications: PC Financial® accounts make available various notifications & alerts you can subscribe to help monitor your account activity and transactions.

Never Conduct Financial Transactions on Behalf of Strangers

Be Wary: Be skeptical of any offer that seems "too good to refuse."
Cheque Fraud: Cheques and other funds deposited into your account can be reversed long after they appear to clear. Never wire funds until the legitimacy of the cheque or electronic deposit is confirmed. If you suspect a cheque is fraudulent, contact the issuing bank.

Communications from President’s Choice Financial

President’s Choice Financial will never ask you to respond via email, SMS text, or phone calls to any requests for private or personal information, including passwords, PINs, or sign-in information. If you have any doubts about any other types of email or communications you receive from President’s Choice Financial, call us at the number found on the back of your card and we’ll be happy to verify whether the communication is legitimate.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraudulent Activity or Lose Your Card
Despite your best efforts, if you become a victim of credit card fraud or lose your card, take these steps immediately:

Call PC Financial® Immediately: Report the incident as soon as possible.

Within Canada & U.S. (toll-free): 1-866-246-PCMC (7262)
Outside Canada & U.S. (call collect): 1-647-426-1343
Have your card number handy if possible.

Actions We Take & You Should Take:

Your current card will be cancelled, and a new one issued within five business days.
Your associated PC Optimum™ points account may be temporarily deactivated until your new card arrives; points will be transferred.
Verify that your mailing address has not been changed.
Change your online password(s) for your PC Financial® accounts.

PC Optimum™ Points Online Security

Your PC Optimum™ points are valuable, and we ensure their security:

When you sign on to the PC Optimum™ website, your browser is validated against our strict security requirements.
The PC Optimum™ points website always uses "https://" and supports at least 128-bit encryption technology. This provides a high level of protection for transmitting confidential data over the Internet and prevents interception by unauthorized parties.