How to Keep Your Financial Info Safe While Traveling
Spring break is all about relaxation, adventure, and making memories — but it’s also a time when your personal information can be at risk. Whether you’re traveling to a faraway beach or exploring a new city, it’s important to stay aware of how to protect your financial data from fraudsters. Here are some simple, but effective steps to keep your financial information safe during your spring break trip.
1. Notify Your Bank About Your Travel Plans
Before you leave, it’s a good idea to inform us about your travel plans. This will prevent our fraud teams from flagging your transactions as suspicious when you make purchases outside of your usual geography. It’s quick and easy in our mobile app. On the dashboard, find the Card Management tile and select the airplane icon. Click +Add travel notice and enter the details of your trip and select the card you intend to use while traveling. For international travel, we still recommend you give us a call or shoot us a quick message through the mobile app, as some countries have restrictions in place that we will remove for the duration of your trip.
2. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Many people love to post their vacation photos while they’re still on the trip, but using public Wi-Fi networks in places like cafes, airports, or hotels can expose you to cyber threats. Hackers can easily intercept your connection and steal your personal information. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection or avoid doing sensitive tasks like online banking while on public Wi-Fi.
3. Keep Your Cards Secure
When traveling, always keep your cards in a safe place. Use a money belt or a neck pouch that you can wear under your clothing to avoid theft. Never leave your wallet unattended, and if you’re using a hotel safe, make sure it’s properly locked.
4. Set Up Account Alerts
Set up text or email alerts that notify you of any transactions made on your account. These alerts can help you quickly spot unauthorized purchases. Set up these alerts before you go, and make sure you’re monitoring them throughout your trip.
5. Avoid Sharing Your Travel Plans on Social Media
While it’s tempting to share every moment of your vacation on social media, oversharing can put you at risk. Posting about your travel plans in real-time can give potential criminals the information they need to target your home or your bank account. Wait until you return home to post your photos or status updates.
6. Use Travel-Specific Apps for Budgeting and Payments
Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, use travel apps or digital payment platforms like Google Pay or Apple Pay, which offer additional layers of security. These apps typically use encryption and authentication features to help protect your information. Make sure to load your Central National Bank debit card into these apps to make it easier to avoid overspending. A debit directly from your account can help keep spending in check, where credit cards leave you open to racking up high balances in debt.
7. Monitor Your Accounts While You’re Away
Take a few minutes each day to log into online banking or our mobile app and review your transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately.
8. Know How to Report Fraud Quickly
In the unfortunate event that your card is compromised, make sure you know how to report it. You can report your card lost or stolen under Card Management in our online banking app. Shut your card off with the tap of a button in the event that you cannot locate your card. Or, save our toll-free number (1-888-262-5456) in your cell phone so you’ll be able to reach us. You can report you card lost or stolen any time of day or night by following the menu prompts when we are closed.
Conclusion
Spring break is meant to be fun and carefree, but it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to your financial safety. By following these fraud prevention tips, you can focus on enjoying your trip, knowing that your financial information is secure. Stay cautious, stay informed, and you’ll have a stress-free and enjoyable spring break experience!
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