Credit Card Security Tips

Email Notifications

First Citizens email alert service delivers convenient, fast and secure real time notifications. Receive email alerts via your mobile device/personal computer after every credit card and prepaid card transaction. Our email alert service will help you to identify any suspicious transactions. Each notification will provide you with a brief transaction description that includes the merchant’s name, the transaction status (whether approved or declined), transaction value and your real time available card balance.

• Get easy access to real time available card balances
• The service is FREE to you
• Detect fraudulent transactions faster and easier

Signing up for email alerts is simple!

New and existing credit card and prepaid cardholders can register for email alerts by providing your full name, a valid email address and telephone contact via:

• First Citizens Online Banking. Send a secure message to our Electronic Banking Unit.
• Email. Send us an email at fcttcreditcardnotifications@firstcitizenstt.com
• Any First Citizens branch or our Credit Card Centre (1st Floor, 62 Independence Square, Port of Spain).

Fast activation!

Upon receipt of your request, a representative from the First Citizens Electronic Banking Unit will contact you.
Subsequently, an email will be sent to you with the terms and conditions of the email alert service for your confirmation. The service will be activated within 24 hours upon receipt of your confirmation email.

Questions?
For any concerns or questions, feel free to send us a secure message via online banking, email fcttcreditcardnotifications@firstcitizenstt.com 

*Registration of the First Citizens email alert is applicable only to the primary card holder.
This service is not applicable to First Citizens business credit cards.
Kindly note internet and/or data services must be enabled on your mobile device/personal computer to receive email alerts.

One Time Passcode (OTP) Authentication FAQs

Card Lock

Card lock or card freeze lets you essentially “turn off” your credit card when not in use which is particularly helpful if you lose your card.

Using the First Citizens mobile app you can “block” and “unblock” your card.

Log into your mobile app select “Cards”, then “Services”. Select the “block” option and an immediate “temporary” block will be placed on your credit card. Follow the same steps to turn your card “on” again by selecting ‘unblock” once you are ready to do.

Security Tips to reduce Friendly Fraud

Reducing friendly fraud can help reduce chargebacks.

There are two main causes of friendly fraud:

Transaction confusion—the cardholder does not recognize the purchase when checking their banking statement and believes they were a victim of fraud and so they dispute the charge.

First-party fraud – Someone else in the household makes a purchase without letting the cardholder know. This can happen for example when a household member pays to stream a movie online using the credit card that’s on file with the streaming service.

Below are some helpful tips to prevent disputing legitimate charges on your credit card account.

1. Keep track of your credit card purchases

Purchase confusion and disputes often arise from simple forgetfulness. One simple solution would be to retain paper receipts to reconcile your monthly credit card statement.

2. Know where your card is at all times

It’s obvious to say but the most reliable way to protect your card from unauthorized purchases is to keep it out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have it. Remember to keep credit cards in a safe, secure place at all times.

3. In app purchases

Maybe a family member made a purchase and never told you about it or your child made a few in-app purchases in a game. Known as “purchase confusion” or “friendly fraud” disputing legitimate charges feeds misinformation into the system when your own purchases are flagged as potential fraud. To minimize these types of transactions you can do the following:

1. Select the option to always require your password for in app purchases.
2. You can turn off in-app purchases through your phone’s settings controls

4. Work with your bank to resolve disputes

If you see a charge you are uncertain about send us a secure message asking for additional information. The detail provided by the bank can often help you to identify the charge.

What should I do if my Credit Card is lost or stolen?

You are required to immediately send a WhatsApp message to 774-CARD (2273) or call 62-FIRST (623-4778) option 1 or 3 to make a report and a new Credit Card will be issue and delivered to your local mailing address. Our Contact Centre is available every day from 6am to 10pm.

If you are abroad, send a WhatsApp message to 868-774-CARD (2273) or call:

• VISA at 1-800-396-9665 when in the U.S.A /Canada, or in other countries, call 1-303-967-1098
• MasterCard at 1-800-307-7309 when in U.S.A /Canada, or in other countries, call 1-636-722-7111
• Any time you think your credit card may have been compromised, don’t forget that you can always “block” your card from within the First Citizens Mobile Banking App.  To do so, log into your mobile app, select “Cards”, then “Services.” Select the “hotlist” option and an immediate permanent block will be placed on your Credit Card. 
• To prevent unauthorized use of your card when you are not using the card, log into your mobile app select “Cards”, then “Services”. Select the “block” option and an immediate “temporary” block will be placed on your credit card. Follow the same steps to turn your card “on” again by selecting ‘unblock” once you feel it’s safe to do so.

Travel Security Tip: Record Your Travel with the Bank

Protect your card when travelling abroad. Before your trip, send us your travel details so that we can contact you in case of emergencies, and monitor your card activity for any suspicious transactions.

Informing us of your travel details is easy! Send us a secure message via Online Banking and be sure to include the following details:
· Name
· Destination
· Date of Departure and Return Date
· Contact Information – phone number and email address while abroad

Cardholders are encouraged to monitor their credit card transaction activity through their email alerts or via their Online Banking or Mobile Banking App. 

Tips to keep safe when shopping Online

• Look for the “s”: When shopping online, check the URL to ensure it begins with “https://”. The “s” at the end indicates a secure connection.
• Be on the alert – signing up for transaction alerts means you can see when your account has been used for a purchase.
• Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi – Cybercriminals scavenge for information on public Wi-Fi networks. They latch onto the same Wi-Fi signal and intercept information while it’s being transmitted, thus gaining access to your confidential credit card information and other sensitive data such as account passwords or banking credentials.
• Beware of phishing scams – Be careful of unsolicited and suspicious emails or phone calls. They may try to steal personal information like your account number, username and password. If in doubt, do not click on any links or download files.
• Protect your computer with an antivirus software/security Software. Make sure your computer and other mobile devices are loaded with the most recent and reputable antivirus and antispyware software that protects you from hackers and identity thieves.
• Keep a record of your online credit card receipts. When you use your credit card online, don’t forget to keep a copy of your receipt. You can then compare the amount on your receipts to the amount on your credit card billing statement to make sure the amount matches.
• Do not share your One Time Password (OTP) with anyone. NEVER give out your OTP to anyone even to a person claiming to be a bank representative. Keep it personal and guard them well.
• If you suspect you card is compromised, call the bank immediately to have the card blocked and replaced.
• Never send your credit card number in an email. Emails are broadcast over the Internet in plain text and can be intercepted by anyone.
• The use of First Citizens Credit Cards for Online Gambling transactions is strictly prohibited. As such, these transactions would be declined.
• The use of First Citizens Credit Cards to conduct face to face or non-face to face transactions at the countries listed below is strictly prohibited. As such, these transactions would be declined. The list may be updated periodically so you should always review prior to travelling.

Point of Sale Security Tips

Stay alert

• Be vigilant at merchants never let your card out of your sight

• Use your card at merchants where the Point of Sale (POS) machine is always visible
• Do not provide any personal information to merchants other than your ID
• If your transaction was “declined” make sure you get a copy of the receipt
• Always leave with your card and receipt

Keep your PIN safe

• Never divulge your PIN to anyone, not even family

• Cover your hand when entering your PIN at the Point of Sale terminal
• Verify the transaction value prior to entering your PIN and finalizing your transaction

Transactions Alerts

• Make sure you sign up and enable transaction alerts to receive real time notifications for Point of Sale transactions
• Log in to your Online Banking or Mobile Banking to review your account activity regularly. If there are transactions that you do not recognize contact the Bank immediately to have your card blocked and replaced. You can also block your card via the Bank’s Mobile Banking App card services “hotlist’ option yourself. Send a secure message via Online Banking to have your card replaced

Transaction Queries

• If you conducted a Point of Sales transaction and your account was debited twice or the transaction declined but you were still charged, complete the Credit Card or Visa Debit Card dispute form and submit it to the Bank via the email address listed below.  Click here to access and download the Credit Card or Debit Card Dispute form.
• Credit Card Dispute email – Credit.Card_Chargebacks@firstcitizenstt.com
• Visa Debit Card Dispute email – linxdebitcarddisputes@firstcitizenstt.com

ATM Security Tips

Keep your PIN a secret

• Your PIN is the most valuable security measure when you access your account through an ATM, so make sure you keep it a secret.
• Always block the view of the ATM keypad with your hand while entering your PIN. Never disclose your PIN to anyone, not event family.
• Avoid writing it down anywhere and commit it to memory.

Don’t accept help

• Never accept help from anyone at the ATM.
• Never disclose your PIN to anyone or get them to transact on your behalf. Don’t count your cash in front of others.

Choose the right location

• Using a secured ATM is essential for your safety.
• Always use ATM machines during the day or at well-lit locations during the night.
• Avoid using an ATM after midnight or one that’s in a deserted place.

Stay alert

• Stay alert at all times while accessing an ATM and aware of your surroundings.
• Never use any ATM that has suspicious protruding parts or unusual card readers or if you smell glue.

Transactions Alerts

• Make sure you sign up and enable transaction alerts to receive real time notifications for ATM transactions.

ATM never returned my card

• If you are utilizing an ATM and it kept your card contact the bank immediately via 62-First to have the card blocked.
• You can also block your card via the bank’s Mobile Banking App card services “hotlist’ option yourself. Send a secure message via Online Banking to have your card replaced.

Transaction Queries

If you did an ATM transaction and your account got debited but you never received the funds or you received some of the funds complete the Credit Card or Visa Debit Card dispute form and submit it to the bank via the email address listed below.  Click here to access and download the Credit Card or Debit Card Dispute form.

Credit Card Dispute email – Credit.Card_Chargebacks@firstcitizenstt.com

Visa Debit Card Dispute email – linxdebitcarddisputes@firstcitizenstt.com

Pay at the Pump Safety Tips

Many customers fuel up three or more times each month, making gas stations a very popular place to use your credit card. Before you insert your card at the gas pump next time you visit the gas station, consider the following best practices to help safeguard you:-

Keep your PIN safe

• Cover your hand when entering your PIN at the gas pump.

Stay alert

• Never use any gas pump that has suspicious protruding parts or unusual card readers or if you smell glue.
• Use good judgment when selecting a gas pump. Ideally, choose one close to the building and well-visible by employees inside. Such pumps are less likely to be tampered with.
• Always remember to hang up the pump properly to ensure the gas sale is finalized.

Transactions Alerts

• Make sure you sign up and enable transaction alerts to receive real time notifications for Pay at the Pump transactions.
• Log in to your Online Banking or Mobile Banking to review your account activity regularly. If there are transactions you do not recognize contact the bank immediately to have your card blocked and replaced. You can also block your card via the bank’s Mobile Banking App card services “hotlist’ option yourself. Send a secure message via Online Banking to have your card replaced.

Transaction Queries

• If you conducted a Pay at The Pump transaction and your account was debited twice or the transaction declined but you were still charged, complete the Credit Card or Visa Debit Card dispute form and submit it to the bank via the email address listed below.  Click here to access and download the Credit Card or Debit Card Dispute form.
• Credit Card Dispute email – Credit.Card_Chargebacks@firstcitizenstt.com
• Visa Debit Card Dispute email – linxdebitcarddisputes@firstcitizenstt.com

First Citizens Credit Cards with Chip and PIN technology

Chip and PIN Transactions

3D Secure Technology

In 2014 we were the first to bring you 3D Secure Technology making online shopping safer so you are more comfortable shopping 24/7. Now, we are upgrading the 3D Secure Technology making it simpler, faster, easier and even safer to shop online. 3D Secure 2.0 is an updated version of the original 3D Secure Technology designed to enhance customer experience and strengthen the security of online transactions. With 3D Secure Technology 2.0 cardholders can look forward to an enhanced online shopping user experience. Cardholders are automatically enrolled and automatically authenticated when shopping online at 3D Secure Merchants.

The technology is offered on First Citizens VISA and Mastercard credit cards, known as Verified by Visa and Mastercard SecureCode respectively. The service also applies to the First Citizens Prepaid Mastercard. 

The Verified by Visa and Mastercard Secure Code services have been upgraded and all cardholders have been automatically enrolled for the service.

3D Secure stands for Three Domain Secure – a unique technology behind the global programs Visa Secure and MasterCard ID Check™ designed to ensure safe online shopping by further authentication of the customer’s identity. 

Visa Secure and MasterCard ID Check captures and trends key information about cardholders during your online shopping.

This information is analyzed to further strengthen your online purchase with First Citizens credit cards.

First Citizens Visa and MasterCard credit and prepaid cardholders will no longer be prompted to register for either the Visa Secure or MasterCard ID Check Service prior to completing their purchase at online merchants who subscribe for either the Visa Secure or MasterCard ID Check service from their bank.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions section for answers to all your questions.

• First Citizens VISA Customers – click here for Visa Secure FAQs
• First Citizens Mastercard Customers – click here for Mastercard ID Check FAQs
• One Time Passcode (OTP) Authentication – click here for One Time Passcode (OTP) FAQs

Choose to shop online with the added security and confidence that only Visa Secure or MasterCard ID Check from First Citizens can bring you!