Secure your data when traveling
posted by Stephan
Thomasee on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 in SHAZAM Blog
We’re into the lazy days of summer, and when traveling to new places it can
be easy to forget best practices. To protect yourself while on vacation, take a
few simple but effective precautions.
- If you stop at the ATM before hitting the road, protect your transaction.
- Before inserting your card, pull firmly on the card reader to make sure
there aren’t any overlays. Fraudsters install overlay devices on top of the
ATM equipment to capture your card’s magnetic stripe data. They’re usually
very loose and will pull off easily. If this happens, take the overlay into
the institution and report what you’ve found.
- To help keep your PIN secure, shield your PIN entry with your hand.
Fraudsters install mini cameras to spy on your PIN entry. Your hand is an
effective block.
- Follow these same steps when shopping at the store and using the
point-of-sale device. Don’t assume the clerk is watching the point-of-sale
device. They’re busy doing their job, and fraudsters know this. Those same
overlay devices can be installed on a point-of-sale terminal in a matter of
seconds. Don’t hesitate to give it a tug.
- To ensure the safest shopping experience online, be sure the link starts
with https. The “s” stands for secure. Also look for a padlock, which is
usually found in the bar at the top of the screen next to the web
address.
- Turn off the autocomplete settings in your browser settings so your card
data and personal information aren’t being stored. While it’s very convenient,
it’s also not best practice.
- Finally, be sure to monitor your transactions and report any
discrepancies. If you find an unknown transaction, contact the service
provider by calling the number on the back of the card. They’ll help you
resolve the issue.
- Implement fraud alerts offered by your financial institution. Set alerts
to be notified when transactions are being made to protect your account from
theft.
- Many debit and credit cards are set to decline transactions when they’re
from a different location. This is for your safety, yet your valid
transactions may also be declined. Before you travel, call your financial
institution to set a travel notice on your account to allow you to make
purchases when you’re in a new location.
As the use of card and mobile payments increase, protecting personal
information becomes increasingly important. Keep your card in a safe place and
lock your account when it isn’t being used.
Have a wonderful summer and keep your accounts safe.
About the Author
Stephan Thomasee utilizes his technical background, proven business acumen
and operational leadership capabilities to create value for internal and
external customers. He utilizes IT to drive business growth by advancing
security, enhancing performance, ensuring availability and refining function
...
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