The beach is calling! (Or the mountains, or the desert or the city…) Whatever your summer vacation plans, be sure to pack these traveling tips along to protect yourself from potential fraud, thefts or loss of access to your funds.
Monitor Accounts and Set Up Alerts:
- Fraudsters will often conduct small test transactions on cardholder information they obtained illegally. These transactions are typically less than $5. If the test transaction is successful, they will use the information to complete additional transactions for much larger amounts.
- You also may want to set up alerts to notify you when any transactions are made. By having alerts up, you can notify the bank much quicker of any fraudulent activity attempted on your card.
Bonus tip for Horicon Bank Customers: You can turn alerts on within Ascend Digital Banking by going to “Tools” then choosing “Alerts.” For your Horicon Bank credit card, click “View Transactions” under your credit card account, then click on Alerts in the top menu.
Notify your Bank or Card Issuer:
- Make sure your bank has your correct phone number on file. If your debit card issuer suspects fraudulent activity, they will contact you to verify the transactions. If they are unable to reach you, your card could be blocked and transactions could be denied.
- Notify the card issuer before you travel internationally. Your card issuer may block access to your card if they do not know you are traveling and suspect your transaction is fraudulent. And if you’re a Horicon Bank customer, you can call us directly at 888.343.3040 or chat with a banker at horiconbank.com to let us know you’ll be traveling internationally. We’ll take care of the rest!
Use Your PIN:
- When using your debit card, consider using your PIN when possible. PIN based transactions are less likely to be declined for suspected fraud.
Always Travel With Multiple Forms of Payment:
- If something happens to your card, you don’t want to be left stranded with no other means to pay.
Be On The Lookout for Thieves.
- Pickpockets often target visitors, so be sure to keep your belongings secure. Avoid storing your wallet and valuables in your back pocket or a backpack or purse that allows easy access to your belongs. Instead, store these items in a money belt or a pocket inside your jacket. You may also want to consider storing your money and cards in multiple spots, so if a thief happens to steal something, you don’t lose everything.