10 Ways to Protect Your Family from Fraud on Vacation

Here at Origin, we take fraud prevention seriously. That’s why we’re always working hard on our end to make sure your accounts stay as secure as possible. 

But fraud is a two-way street, and it’s equally important for customers to know how to recognize and prevent fraud, preventing scammers from ruining your vacation.

10 Fraud-Stopping Tips

Want to prevent vacation fraud before it occurs? Here are 10 simple ways Origin Bank suggests customers protect themselves and their families from fraud while out of town:

 

  • Sign up for online banking. Online banking allows you to stay abreast of your finances from anywhere with an internet connection. Sign up at your local Origin banking center so you can recognize and report any unrecognized charges before fraudsters drain your account.
  • Always let your bank know when you’re heading out of town. Leaving town? Let your Origin banker know so they can place debit alerts on your accounts. This lets you receive alerts via text or email for transactions and activity on your accounts while you’re away so you can catch fraud in real time. In addition to Debit Alerts, Origin Bank also provides SecurLOCK fraud protection services via text message to all mobile phone numbers listed on your account. You may also want to set up electronic statements to ensure paper statements aren’t sitting in your mailbox while you’re away.
  • Opt for bank ATMs. Look for a bank ATM rather than a standalone or independent ATM when possible. You might think the only risk in a standalone ATM is a high fee, but scammers use cameras and skimming devices to obtain information from your cards (like your PIN number) without your knowledge. Standalone ATMs are riskier because they aren’t monitored as closely as a bank’s.
  • Avoid sketchy booking sites. Always use trustworthy websites to book rentals and cruises. Trust your gut and do your research! If something doesn’t appear legitimate on the site, your best option is to close the tab and book your rental or cruise through a trusted travel agency.
  • Pay ahead with credit cards only. Never pay for lodging in advance using P2P payment like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or Zelle. If something goes wrong, you may find you don’t have access to the property and that a scammer has your cash. Much like money transfer services, these options don’t offer proper recourse to get your funds back. Paying for rentals with credit cards ensures you can easily dispute a charge if anything goes wrong.
  • Make copies. Keep copies of important documents and customer service phone numbers hidden in your luggage. That way, if you need to cancel cards or contact your financial institution, you’ll have that information even if your physical cards have been lost or stolen.
  • Don’t bring every card. Limit the credit cards and other documents you bring on a trip to those you absolutely need. Take your passport or driver’s license, one credit card, or a debit card. Leave your social security card at home, and if you have a Medicare card, make a copy and blot out all but the last four digits of your number.
  • Keep an eye on card activity in the period after you return home. Some scammers will wait until you no longer suspect a card has been stolen to use it. If you notice a charge you don’t recognize while examining your statement, call Origin Bank immediately to dispute it.
  • Ensure your devices are secure. Always password-protect your smartphone or tablet, especially if you use the device for financial transactions. Try to carry devices with you while traveling: a large purse or backpack is perfect for carrying necessities and keeping your devices handy. If your device is stolen, report it to the police immediately and be sure to contact your cell phone provider. Additionally, be careful using public Wi-Fi at cafés, hotels, airports, and other public places. If you use public Wi-Fi networks, only send information to fully encrypted sites.
  • Keep an eye on your credit cards at all times. If you’re paying for a meal, make sure your waiter doesn’t leave your sight to ring you up. Pay for your gas at the pump if possible, or at the very least keep a close eye on the attendant. Never let someone take your card and walk away; they could copy the card or write down your information to use for fraudulent activity later.

 

Think you may have fallen victim to fraud? Don’t panic! Just follow the steps here to get it sorted out. For more tips on avoiding fraud, explore Origin’s Security Center or Personal Fraud Prevention page today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?
Immediately contact your bank to report it. You should also freeze your card through your Origin mobile banking app to prevent unauthorized charges.

How can I protect myself from fraud while on vacation?
Sign up for real-time debit alerts, use reputable booking sites, avoid P2P payments for lodging, and opt for bank-owned ATMs over standalone machines.

What do I do if I suspect fraudulent activity?
Contact your bank immediately to report the transaction and dispute any unauthorized charges.