How to protect yourself from fraud while traveling

The holidays are for making memories—not losing money. As you prep for travel and festive fun, scammers are working overtime to ruin your plans. Don’t let them! Here are a few simple, stress-free tips to protect your finances before and during your holiday adventures.

1. Lock Down Your Accounts

Before you hit the road, double-check your online banking and shopping accounts. Use strong, unique passwords (yes, it’s time to retire “password123”) and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for scammers to sneak in.

2. Watch Out for Wi-Fi Traps

Public Wi-Fi at airports and hotels may seem convenient, but they’re a playground for hackers. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making purchases on unsecured networks. If you must connect, use a VPN to keep your information safe.

3. Keep an Eye on Your Cards

While you’re snapping holiday pics, don’t forget to monitor your bank accounts. Enable mobile alerts for unusual transactions, so you’ll know instantly if something fishy is going on.

4. Skip the Sketchy Deals

If that online holiday sale seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to trusted retailers and always verify the website’s URL before entering your payment info. Look for “https” in the address bar—it means the site is secure.

5. Travel Light

Leave unnecessary cards and documents at home. The less you carry, the less you risk losing. And if your wallet does go missing, call your bank immediately to freeze your accounts.

The holidays are busy enough without worrying about fraud. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind—and keep your finances as festive as your holiday spirit. For more tips on how to protect yourself from scammers, visit our SAFE Aware webpage.

SAFE travels and happy holidays!