Labor Day weekend is one of the last big travel opportunities of summer. Whether you’re heading out for a road trip, catching a flight, or spending a few days at the lake, your wallet probably isn’t the only place your financial information is traveling. Your cards, banking apps, mobile wallet, email, and phone can all provide access to sensitive information.
Before you head out, a few simple precautions can help keep your financial footprint private and make it easier to spot suspicious activity quickly.
Turn on account and transaction alerts
Before traveling, check your bank and credit card apps and make sure notifications are enabled. Depending on your financial institution, you may be able to receive alerts for purchases, ATM withdrawals, online transactions, low balances, or suspected fraud.
These alerts can provide an early warning if a transaction occurs that you don’t recognize. The FDIC recommends regularly monitoring account activity and taking advantage of spending and fraud alerts when available.
Know how to lock your cards
Many banking apps allow customers to temporarily lock or freeze a debit or credit card if it is misplaced. Take a minute before your trip to familiarize yourself with the feature, if your financial institution offers it.
Also, make sure you know how to contact your bank or card issuer if a card is lost or stolen. Reporting it promptly can help reduce the potential for unauthorized use.
Be selective about public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, restaurants, and other travel stops is convenient, but think twice before using a public network for sensitive financial activity.
Most legitimate websites now encrypt information sent between your device and the website, but travelers should still use caution on unfamiliar networks. For particularly sensitive activity, such as accessing your bank account, consider using your phone’s cellular connection or personal hotspot instead.
Protect your phone like you protect your wallet
Your smartphone may contain access to your email, financial accounts, saved payment methods, and mobile wallet. Keep it protected with a strong passcode and biometric authentication when available.
Avoid leaving devices unattended, and consider turning off Bluetooth when you aren’t using it. Travelers should also be cautious about plugging phones directly into unfamiliar public USB charging stations. Using your own charger and electrical outlet can help you maintain greater control over the connection.
Watch for travel-related phishing
A busy travel day can make an urgent text especially convincing: Your flight has changed. Your reservation needs confirmation. Your card was declined. Click here.
Don’t let urgency override caution. Instead of clicking an unexpected link, open the company’s official app, type its website into your browser, or contact the business using a number you know is legitimate.
Keep vacation details private
Posting your trip in real time can tell more people than intended that you’re away from home. Consider limiting location sharing and saving some vacation photos for after you return. CISA also recommends being careful about sharing travel plans and other personal details publicly online.
Do a post-trip financial checkup
Once you’re home, review your card and bank activity carefully. Look for unfamiliar charges, including small transactions that may be easy to overlook. If anything seems suspicious, contact your financial institution promptly.
A little preparation can go a long way. By staying alert, protecting your devices, and keeping a closer eye on your accounts, you can spend less time worrying about fraud and more time enjoying the final days of summer.