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Fraud and Misuse of University Credit Cards

Below are listed the commonly used terms to categorize different types of fraud or misuse of credit cards.

  • Employee Misuse – The intentional or unintentional use of a credit card that violates university policies and procedures. University employees that apply for credit cards should read the cardholder agreement carefully and complete all training indicated on that agreement. Employee misuse of university credit cards may result disciplinary actions and may be grounds for termination.
  • Merchant Fraud – Merchant uses credit card information not in accordance with their merchant agreement and/or without the authorization of the cardholder.
  • Merchant Disputes – The cardholder has given consent to use the card, but there is a dispute with the amount charged or the products or services ordered were not as the cardholder expected.
  • External Fraud/Identity Theft – A third party that uses stolen credit card, its data, or your personal data without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft.
    • Compromised Card—Account data is in the possession of people with malicious intent. We are contacted by JPMorgan about compromised cards and work quickly with you to close and replace the account before fraudulent activity begins.
    • Breach—A merchant, data processor, or financial institution has had its data compromised. Breaches happen through database/network hacks, theft of credit card processing hardware, or skimming devices implanted at sales terminals.

How do you best protect yourself from External Fraud/Identify Theft?

  1. Protect your wallet.
    • Carry only the information you need with you. Don’t carry your social security card with you or have that number anywhere in your wallet.
    • When traveling only take necessary credit cards with you—a university credit card and maybe one personal credit card. Leave any other credit cards at home.
    • Remember when you travel you are dealing with baggage, unfamiliar surroundings and many other distractions. This makes you a target to have your wallet stolen, try to stay aware of your surroundings.
  2. Maintain contacts to report stolen cards.
    • Add JPMorgan's customer service number 800-270-7760 in your cell phone. Also store the last 4 digits of your account number (not the full account number) and your employee ID. With those numbers and your full name, JPMorgan customer service should be able to locate your account.
    • Add a contact for Purchasing and Travel in your cell phone as well 801-422-3872. After hours travel agents can assist you in emergency situation. They may also be able to reach out to a university credit card administrator to assist you after hours.
  3. Don’t give information to someone contacting you.
    • Do not give sensitive information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
    • Never respond to emails or texts requesting sensitive information.
    • Use your credit card only on secure websites. Look for https in the URL
  4. Sign the back of your credit card as soon as you receive it.
  5. Don’t write a PIN number on the credit card or have it anywhere in your wallet.
  6. Try not to let your card out of your sight when a vendor is processing a transaction.
  7. Secure any receipts or documents that have your credit card number on it. Shred them when they are no longer needed.
  8. Do not lend your credit card to someone else. Department purchasing cards can be checked out to someone else, but a log should be kept of those checking out the card at any given time.
  9. Shred any credit card applications you receive in the mail that are not wanted.
  10. Keep contact information up-to-date with your financial institutions.
  11. Review your transactions promptly. For university credit cards your transactions are reviewed in Y-Expense.
  12. Report unauthorized activity immediately. Despite your best efforts you may still experience fraud. If this happens, report the activity immediately.