Make Secure Purchases for Your Summer Adventures

Summer is a time for travel, outdoor events, and creating lasting memories. But for scammers, it's prime season. As you plan your vacations, book events, or shop for summer fun, it’s important to keep your financial information protected. At PSECU, we're committed to helping you and your finances stay safe. Here are some of our best tips for making secure purchases and enjoying a safe, scam-free summer.

1. Watch for Phishing Scams

Scammers ramp up phishing attempts peak travel seasons. Be cautious of emails or messages you receive claiming to be from airlines, hotels, or event organizers asking for personal information or payment. Avoid clicking links, downloading attachments, or giving any personal information to phone numbers or email address that you don’t know or that look suspicious. If you wish to, verify the sender's email address and contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number or website to see if they are legitimate.

2. Book Through Reputable Sources

Planning a trip? It's essential to book through trusted travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and booking websites. Fraudsters often create illegitimate booking platforms to gain access to and collect your personal and financial information. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true – most of the time, they are. Always double check to make sure any website you use has a secure URL (https://) or the padlock at the beginning of the search bar, and read reviews before finalizing any reservations.

3. Verify Event Tickets

If you’re purchasing tickets for concerts, sports events, or festivals, be on the lookout for counterfeit ticket scams. Buying from third-party sites or sellers on social media can put you at risk for fake tickets or identity theft. Always buy directly from the official event website or a reputable ticket vendor.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods

Whenever possible, use a debit card or credit card instead of cash for your purchases and bookings. Cards offer stronger protection against fraud compared to cash, and Visa® cards – like the ones offered by PSECU – have a Zero Liability Policy so cardholders won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions. They also offer continuous fraud monitoring and data encryption.

When available, use digital wallets like Apple Pay® or Google Pay™ for encrypted transactions that provide an extra layer of security. If you're buying tickets for events or making reservations, use websites and apps that offer buyer protection.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Accounts

Fraudsters can get access to your accounts without you even noticing. It’s important to regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Many financial institutions offer account alerts that notify you of suspicious activity, so be sure to take advantage of these so you can respond quickly if your information is compromised.

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions

Public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, and cafes are convenient, but they often lack security. If you’re on public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing your bank accounts or making purchases. Instead, wait until you have access to a secure, private internet connection or use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your personal information from any potential fraudsters’ eyes.

7. Protect Your Devices

Your smartphone, tablet, or laptop likely has a lot of your personal and financial information on it, so you want to be sure they have all the security software updates they need before you take them anywhere. Always be sure to use strong, unique passwords for every one of your logins and accounts, and if you can, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security. If your device is lost or stolen, having these protections in place can help safeguard your information.

8. Use RFID Protection

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) skimming is a method used by thieves to steal information from credit cards, passports, and other items containing RFID chips without you even noticing. Any extra bit of security can help, so if you can, pick up some RFID-blocking wallets or sleeves to store your cards and devices in to protect them from electronic pickpocketing.

9. Be Cautious Using ATMs

When traveling, there may be times when you need cash. If you need to use an ATM, look for one located inside a bank or in a well-lit area. Avoid standalone ATMs in high-traffic tourist spots, as they can be targeted by fraudsters looking to install skimming devices. Cover your keypad when entering your PIN to prevent anyone looking over your shoulder or nearby cameras from learning your PIN.

10. Report Fraud Immediately

If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam or fraudsters got a hold of your personal or financial information using one of these methods, report it immediately. Contact PSECU or other financial institutions or credit card company to alert them of any unauthorized transactions, and report what happened to the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting fraud quickly can help limit the damage done to you and others and start the process of recovering your lost funds.

Stay Safe with PSECU

At PSECU, we're dedicated to helping you enjoy a worry-free summer. For more tips on protecting your personal and financial information, visit our resource center. By staying informed and vigilant, you can ensure your summer travels are not only fun but safe, too.

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