MT. PLEASANT, Wis.—More credit unions are introducing card control apps for their members—including one CU that was recently hit by an ATM skimming attack.
Educators CU has launched a free smartphone app called Ctrl, made by OnDot Systems of San Jose, Calif. ECU is the first financial institution in Wisconsin to offer it, said Katherine McCabe, assistant vice president of electronic services at the $1.6-billion credit union.
Card control apps allow consumers to turn their cards off and on via their smartphone, and also set spending limits and parameters. That app likely came in handy for many Educators members who had their cards compromised in a recent skimming attack in which 500 members had their data stolen.
ATM skimming attacks are on the rise as thieves turn more to old school fraud methods as retailers tighten data security, analysts have stated. UW Credit Union in Madison has also reported issues with card skimmers on ATMs.
Romanian nationals traveling the United States on visas are suspected to be behind the skimming attacks in Wisconsin.