REDUCE WHAT YOU CARRY

Before you travel, clean out purses and/or wallets. Remove unnecessary cards or items. Carry nothing that has your Social Security number on it and make note of which cards and documents you decide to carry in case of loss or theft.

TOURIST AREAS

These are high traffic areas that are favorite for card skimming as well as pickpocketing and purse snatchers.

AVOID USING PUBLIC OR SHARED COMPUTERS

These computers may have information-stealing software in place. If you must use one, avoid entering any personal information or logging onto online accounts such as Social Media accounts and your online banking platforms.

VERIFY CALLERS TO YOUR HOTEL ROOM

A common scam involves a call to your hotel room from "the front desk" or "desk clerk". This person may tell you about a problem that requires you to provide your credit card number over the phone. If this happens, hang up and call or visit the front desk to verify. 

USING WI-FI

Hotels, airports, and other public places offer Wi-Fi for internet access. A secure wireless network encrypts all the inforamtion you send using that network. However, Wi-Fi hotspots are often not secure. This means information you send through some websites or mobile apps can be accessed by other network users. Here are some tips if you use public Wi-Fi:

• Verify that it's an authenticated Wi-Fi network. Manually select network connections and know the exact name of the establishment's network. Scammers may set up a "free" computer-to-computer network with look-alike name to trick you.
• Always log off an account as soon as you have finished using it.
• Consider using a VPN (virtual private network) service to protect your information.

If you are planning on traveling internationally, please contact the Credit Union prior to you leaving. RCU also offers VISA Travel cards that can be used to make purchases and cash withdrawals at ATMs. VISA Travel Cards offer all the safety and security a normal credit cards has, such as zero liability, free Travel and Emergency Assistance Services and much more!