Stay Safe While You Relax

Protect Yourself from Fraud on Vacation

Vacations are meant for relaxing, but unfortunately, they can also be prime opportunities for fraudsters to strike. Whether you’re traveling across the country or halfway around the world, taking a few simple precautions can help keep your personal and financial information safe, so you can focus on making memories, not dealing with fraud.

• Notify your bank and credit card companies before you go. Let your bank(s) know where and when you’re traveling. This helps prevent legitimate purchases from being flagged as suspicious and ensures they’ll spot truly unusual activity more easily.

• Use a travel or credit cards instead of debit cards. Travel and credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection and don’t give direct access to your bank account. Plus, if a fraudulent charge occurs, it’s easier to dispute and resolve. (Bonus if it has extra perks for travel purchases!)

• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and cafes is convenient but often unsecured. Avoid logging into bank accounts or entering payment information while connected to public networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN) if you need to access sensitive information on the go.

• Watch out for card skimmers. Before using an ATM or gas pump, check for anything unusual or loose around the card slot. Skimming devices can steal your card data. Stick to ATMs inside banks or reputable businesses whenever possible.

• Limit what you carry. Only bring the cards and identification you need for your trip. Leave unnecessary credit cards, checkbooks and sensitive documents at home to minimize risk. Lock valuables, important documents and spare cash in a safe when leaving your hotel room.

• Monitor your accounts regularly. While traveling, check your bank and credit card accounts frequently for any unfamiliar charges. Early detection is key to minimizing fraud’s impact.

• Secure your devices. Ensure all your mobile devices have the latest update installed and you use strong passwords/multi-factor authorization.

A little vigilance goes a long way toward protecting your finances and identity while you enjoy your getaway. By following these simple tips, you can travel with confidence—and peace of mind. Visit www.heritagebanknw.com/fraud-resources for all of our resources on keeping your information safe. Safe travels!