10 Ways to Stay Financially Safe During the Holiday Season
The holiday season brings about tons of holiday cheer that we all look forward to. And while it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, parties and events, it's more important than ever to stay alert through it all. Robbers, scammers and thieves are always lurking (especially this time of year!), preying on the fact that you are too busy checking things off your list and running in and out of stores to notice their schemes. Use these 10 Smarter Habit tips to stay financially safe this holiday season.
1. Be aware of your surroundings. If visiting a branch or using an ATM at a branch, be aware of your surroundings, do not carry cash in the open, and if you are being followed, call 911. Don’t approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
2. Debit/Credit Access: If using your debit card to make purchases, make sure you limit swiping the card and instead utilize the chip/credit method of payment.
3. Never carry large amounts of cash. If you must, put it in your front pocket and try not to display it when paying for things at the register.
4. Driving to the stores: Try to avoid driving alone or at night; always be aware of your immediate surroundings as you approach or leave your vehicle.
5. Don’t leave gifts or packages in the car. Never leave gifts or anything of value visible inside your vehicle.
6. Never put your purse in the trunk before entering a store. It doesn’t work, and thieves watch for you to do this in parking lots. It’s better to take the purse with you and carry it safely.
7. Keep all of your car doors locked and your windows closed while in or out of your car. Be sure to set your alarm or use an anti-theft device if you have one.
8. If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area. Avoid parking in areas that do not have lights; park as close as you can to your destination and be sure to note where you parked.
9. Don’t use free, public Wi-Fi connections when shopping online. Your payment card information could be intercepted. Instead, use your mobile service provider’s internet connection for enhanced security.
10. Monitor your accounts and account statements. Notify us immediately if you see anything suspicious.