As You Vacation, Remember, Criminals Don’t! Protect Your Data!

As COVID restrictions ease, many people are planning vacations. Guess who’s not taking a vacation, but instead looking to ruin yours by scamming you out of money? Criminals!

Here are a few simple but effective precautions to protect yourself while enjoying your trip.

• If you stop at the ATM, protect your transaction.
  • Before inserting your card, pull firmly on the card reader to make sure there aren’t any overlays. Fraudsters install overlay devices on top of ATM equipment to capture your card’s magnetic stripe data. They’re usually loose and will pull off easily. If this happens, take the overlay into the institution and report what you’ve found.
  • To help keep your PIN secure, use your hand to shield your PIN entry. Fraudsters install mini cameras that look like part of the actual ATM to spy on your PIN entry. Your hand is an effective block.
  • Follow these same steps when shopping at stores and using a Point of Service (POS) device. Don’t assume the clerk is watching the POS device. They’re busy doing their job, and fraudsters know this. Those same overlay devices can be installed on a POS terminal in a matter of seconds. Don’t hesitate to give it a tug.
• To ensure the safest shopping experience online, be sure the web address starts with https. The “s” stands for secure. Also look for a padlock icon, which is usually found in the bar at the top of the screen, next to the web address.
• Turn off the autocomplete settings in your browser so your card data and personal information aren’t being stored. While it’s very convenient, it’s not a best practice.
• Log out of your account once you’re finished using an online banking or financial app.
• Monitor your transactions and report any discrepancies. Our Fraud-fighting app, SHAZAM’s Brella®, alerts cardholders immediately about potentially fraudulent activity, allowing you to block or unblock your own cards.
• To protect your account from theft, set alerts so you’re notified when transactions are made.
• Before you travel, use your SHAZAM Brella app to set travel alerts. Many debit and credit cards are set to decline transactions when they’re outside of your typical geographic location. While this is for your safety, valid transactions may be declined based on location.

As the use of card and mobile payments increases, protecting personal information becomes even more essential. Keep your card in a safe place.

Have a wonderful summer and keep your accounts safe!