Travel Safety Tips for Your Holiday Adventures: Protecting Your Finances While On The Go
As the holiday season approaches, many of you may be preparing for a well-deserved getaway. With the increased travel activity and busy schedules, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant about protecting your finances. At Union State Bank your security is our priority. In this article, we have provided you with some essential tips to help ensure your travels are smooth, secure, and financially protected.
Before You Go
Before you depart, notify us of your travel plans. This ensures we are aware of any unusual transactions that may appear on your account while you’re in different locations, helping to avoid unnecessary account restrictions. This can be done through our mobile app, website, or by calling customer service.
You can also monitor transactions yourself by quickly and easily setting up travel alerts and notifications through our free CardValet® app. Alerts can help you monitor purchases, especially in new locations, and detect any suspicious activity. Should you notice any unauthorized transactions, please report them immediately.
While On The Go
While traveling, make an effort to use secure internet connections whenever possible. Public Wi-Fi networks can be convenient but may also be susceptible to security risks. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or online purchases, as hackers can intercept your personal information. If you must access sensitive data, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
Another way to reduce your risk while traveling is to limit the number of items you bring with you. Take only the essential payment methods and identification with you on your trip. Leave extra cards, important documents, and items you won’t need at home. This reduces the risk of loss or theft of your financial and personal information.
Finally, while on the road be sure to check your transaction history frequently. It's easy to miss details in the holiday hustle. Take a few minutes each day to review your recent transactions to ensure everything is accurate. If anything seems off, please contact us immediately for assistance.
Anytime
Even if you aren’t traveling, there are a few tips you should consider to make your holidays more secure. This includes activating multi-factor authentication to your devices and apps. Many online services now offer two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to your accounts. We strongly recommend activating this feature, as it requires both your password and a second verification code to log in, helping prevent unauthorized access.
And speaking of passwords, ensure that all of your devices, especially mobile phones, are protected with strong passwords or biometric locks. If you lose your device, a password can help protect your financial information from unauthorized access. Additionally, consider installing a "Find My Device" app to locate and lock a lost phone if needed.
In addition, be cautious of increased phishing scams during the holiday season. Beware of emails or messages that request personal information, especially if they appear to come from unfamiliar senders. Our institution will never ask for sensitive information through email or text.
And finally, save our customer service contact information on your phone in case you need to report any issues quickly. We’re here to assist you, no matter where the holidays take you.
By following these simple precautions, you can help protect your finances and enjoy peace of mind during your holiday travels. Should you have any questions about these tips or need assistance setting up security features, please reach out to us. Thank you for being a valued part of Union State Bank, and safe travels!
About Union State Bank: Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield, and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 412388