Keep Your Holiday Travel Merry and Secure

The holiday season means increased travel – and unfortunately, increased opportunities for scammers. Here are essential tips to protect yourself and your finances while traveling.

Before You Leave

• Notify our credit union of your travel plans to prevent card blocks
• Set up mobile banking alerts to monitor your accounts in real-time
• Make copies of important documents and store them separately from the original
• Consider using our CU Travel Money Cards instead of carrying large amounts of cash

Airport Safety

• Use only official ATMs inside secure airport areas
• Be wary of “helpful” strangers around ATMs or ticket kiosks
• Never leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment
• Avoid using public WiFi for banking or sensitive transactions

On the Road

• Only stop at well-lit, busy rest areas
• Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards at gas stations to prevent skimming
• Be cautious of card readers that appear tampered with or loose

At Your Destination

• Use hotel safes for valuable items and extra cards
• Check your account activity daily through our secure mobile app
• Report any suspicious transactions immediately
• Keep our 24/7 card services number handy for emergencies

Common Holiday Travel Scams to Avoid

• Fake vacation rental listings demanding wire transfers
• “Free vacation” offers requiring upfront fees
• Unsolicited calls about travel club memberships
• QR code scams in public places

Remember: If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts. Our credit union is here to help protect your financial security 24/7. Contact us immediately if you notice any unusual activity on your accounts.