MasterCard SecureCode Usage Encouraged

Mars National Bank encourages the use of the MasterCard SecureCode system for online purchasing/card use. MasterCard SecureCode is a simple and secure way to pay at thousands of online stores

A private code known only to you, your SecureCode enhances your existing MasterCard account by protecting you against unauthorized use of your card when shopping online at participating online retailers. Every time you pay online at participating retailers, you will be automatically prompted to enter your own private SecureCode – just like entering a PIN at the ATM. In seconds, you gain added protection while shopping online. Look for the MasterCard SecureCode logo when shopping at participating online retailers.

To sign up your Mars National Bank Debit/Check Card with SecureCode, go to the MasterCard SecureCode website.

SMishing (SMS Texting based Phishing)

SMishing is an attempt to lure people into providing personal account information to be used for criminal activity. It is done using cell/smart phone SMS texting. We have received several reports of customers of various institutions receiving text messages where the fraudsters are trying to get customers to provide details of their card including pin. As a result we have seen attempts where the fraudsters are trying to test the cards to identify the CVC/CVV. This method of fraud is known as Brute Force.

Please do not respond to these texts or call the phone present within the text. If you have responded to this type of text message, please call the Bank at 724-625-1555 to have your card reissued.

Warning Regarding Email/Internet Scams

Please be aware of e-mails circulating the Internet contain various Subject lines, such as “Your ACH transfer” or “Your Direct Deposit declining” and a link, which may launch a computer virus or an Internet connection to a phishing website.

As a policy, Mars National Bank does not request account or personal information via any medium, such as telephone, e-mail, or text messaging. For your protection, do not reply and do not provide any information.

NACHA (the Electronic Payments Association) makes the following statement regarding communications:

“NACHA has been the victim of sustained and evolving phishing attacks in which consumers and businesses are receiving emails that appear to come from NACHA. The attacks are occurring with greater frequency and increased sophistication.

NACHA itself does not process nor touch the ACH transactions that flow to and from organizations and financial institutions. NACHA does not send communications to persons or organizations about individual ACH transactions that they originate or receive.”

For more information, please visit NACHA’s website at http://www.nacha.org.

Planning a Trip Outside the United States?

To further protect our Check/Debit Card holders, Mars National Bank has implemented new procedures for card holders traveling outside the United States. To use your Check/Debit card while traveling abroad, You Must contact our Electronic Banking experts at 724-625-1555 x226 prior to your trip. This applies only to Check/Debit cards. ATM and credit card users need not contact us before travel abroad.

While we know this is an added step in the busy days before a trip, making this call will ensure uninterrupted use of your card and access to your money while you travel.