Traveling can be fun, but it can also open you up to fraud risk. Here are some tips for you to keep in mind as you travel:
Before you leave, notify your bank of your travel dates and places you will be visiting.
Protect your card! Take only the credit and/or debit cards you expect to use, plus a backup, and keep them safe and close to you. If you are traveling with your spouse/significant other, it would be beneficial to not have one person carry all cards. Upon returning home, verify the balance and charges from you travels. Some chose to monitor this while traveling. For your debit card, monitor your accounts with our pvbank2go or mvbank2go!
Sign up for My Mobile Money. Now, if you lose or misplace your card you can turn your card off with a swipe of your finger! The My Mobile Money app also provides customers with the ability to:
- Control Preferences
- Block transactions based on their location in relation to their mobile phone, or the region a transaction is originating from
- Block transaction based on merchant types
- Block specific transaction types
- Block transactions based on amount limits they establish
- Alerts
- Receive alerts based on their location in relation to their mobile phone, or the region they select
- Receive alerts based on merchant types
- Receive alerts based on transaction types
- Receive alerts based on transaction amounts they establish
- View recent debit card transaction activity
- View balances of checking and/or savings accounts linked to their card they load (note this would not include non-card activity that occurred that day)
Safeguard your PIN (personal identification number). Memorize this, DO NOT carry this with you. Never write this on you card. When entering your PIN for a transaction, carefully block the digits you are entering from other people’s view.
Know what cards are accepted internationally. EMV Chip cards are widely accepted internationally and are coming to the United States. Do not be alarmed if you are advised by a store clerk that they only accept EMV Chip Cards.
Use your card(s) only at ATMs if possible. Because your debit card pulls funds directly out of your bank account, potential for loss is higher. For this reason, we recommend limiting the number of locations your card is used by withdrawing funds from ATMs where you are vacationing and paying for items with cash. You can also request a PIN for your credit card and process cash advances at ATMs as well.
During a transaction, keep your eye on your card. Make sure you get it back before you walk away.
Review your credit report at least once a year. You have the right to one free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus. Look for any signs of fraudulent activity, or new accounts that you did not open. You can find more information at www.annualcreditreport.com.
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