In Focus – SCCCU Blog

Nothing ruins a vacation faster than falling victim to fraud. You’ve worked hard, saved up, and finally made it to your dream destination—only to discover suspicious charges on your card or a compromised account. Fortunately, a little planning goes a long way in protecting your finances on the go.

Here’s how to keep your money and personal information safe while you’re enjoying some well-deserved time away.

1. Let Your Financial Institution Know You’re Traveling. Before you head out, take a moment to notify your financial institution of your travel dates and destinations. This helps them recognize legitimate transactions and avoid flagging your card for unusual activity. It also ensures they can contact you quickly if suspicious charges appear.
2. Use Digital Wallets and Contactless Payments. Your smartphone might be one of your best tools for fraud protection. Digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay add an extra layer of security by tokenizing your card number, which means your actual details are never shared during a transaction. (Learn how to set up your digital wallet here.) Plus, contactless payments reduce the need to touch payment terminals or hand over your card, which can help avoid skimming devices and other fraud tactics.
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions. While it might be tempting to check your account or book an excursion while sipping coffee at a local café, using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions is a big no-no. Hackers often lurk on unsecured networks looking to intercept login credentials or personal information. Instead, use a personal hotspot or a trusted VPN to keep your data safe while browsing on the go.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Accounts. Vacations are for relaxing, but that doesn’t mean you should stop paying attention to your accounts. Set up transaction alerts through your mobile banking app so you’re notified anytime your card is used. A quick glance at your recent activity each day can help you catch any unfamiliar charges before they become a bigger problem.
5. Limit What You Carry. Before you leave, clean out your wallet. Only bring the cards and identification you truly need for the trip. Leave your Social Security card, checkbook, and any unnecessary credit cards at home. If your wallet is lost or stolen while you’re traveling, having fewer items to cancel and replace can make a stressful situation a little easier to manage.
6. Be Cautious at ATMs. If you need cash during your trip, stick to ATMs located inside financial institution branches or other secure areas. These are less likely to be tampered with than standalone machines on the street or in convenience stores. And before inserting your card, check the machine for anything that looks loose or out of place—these could be signs of a card skimmer.
7. Watch Out for Travel Scams. Fraudsters know you're more vulnerable when you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, pushy street vendors, or anyone requesting payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or unfamiliar apps. Stick with trusted websites and services when booking hotels, excursions, or rentals, and always read the fine print before clicking “confirm.”
8. Have a Backup Plan. Despite your best efforts, things can still go wrong. That’s why it’s smart to bring a backup card and store emergency contact numbers separately from your wallet or phone. If your card is lost or compromised, you’ll be glad you have a Plan B.

Vacations should be all about fun, not financial stress. Taking a few simple precautions before and during your trip can help you stay focused on making memories, not dealing with fraud. Keep your guard up, stay connected to your accounts, and use the tools at your fingertips to enjoy a worry-free getaway. Safe travels!