In this Edition: Fraud Prevention Tips for Your Vacation & Keeping Your Credentials secure
At Bryant Bank, we care about your financial well-being and want to ensure that you have the knowledge and tools to protect yourself from potential fraud. In this edition of our Fraud Prevention Newsletter, we will focus on two important topics: safeguarding your finances while on vacation and strengthening the security of your online credentials.
Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud During Summer Travel
We understand that vacations are meant to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment. To help you fully unwind, here are some essential tips to keep your finances secure while you travel:
Keep us Updated: Inform your Bryant Banker about your major travel plans, including the dates and destinations. This allows us to monitor your account for any suspicious activity. Also be sure to set up a travel note in your online banking so that your transactions are not flagged as fraudulent.
Use secure ATMs and payment methods: Be cautious when using ATMs or making purchases out of the country. Stick to well-known and reputable banks or ATMs, and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions. Remember that Bryant Bank will reimburse your ATM usage fee (this does not apply for exchange rates) when you return with your transaction receipt – no need to look for the cheapest ATM!
Monitor your accounts: Regularly review your account statements and transactions, even while you’re away. If you notice any unauthorized activity, report it to your Bryant Banker immediately.
Keep your documents secure: Safeguard your identification documents, credit cards, and passports in a secure location. Avoid carrying unnecessary personal information or excessive amounts of cash while you’re exploring an unknown area.
Don’t leave your mail unattended: Have the US Postal Service retain your mail while you’re away or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to collect your mail each day. Mail theft is on the rise and the bad guys know when a mailbox is being neglected.
Strengthening Your Online Credentials
In today’s digital age, protecting your online credentials is important. Here are some crucial steps to strengthen your online security:
Create strong and unique passwords: Use a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your birthdate or pet’s name. Remember to change passwords regularly.
Enable multi-factor authentication: Take advantage of additional layers of security by enabling multi-factor authentication wherever possible. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, an extra verification step is required to access your accounts.
Be cautious with email and online communications: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts and suspicious emails. Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or sharing personal information via email. When in doubt, give the sender a call and talk with them directly to verify that they are trying to contact you.
Keep your devices up to date: Regularly update your operating systems, web browsers, and antivirus software. These updates often include security patches that protect against emerging threats.
Never share your credentials: Never share your login credentials with anyone. Remember, no organization, including your bank, should ever request this information from you to verify your identity.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from fraud is to have a banker you can call by name and that you know and trust. Ask your Bryant Banker about steps you can take to protect yourself and your business, or call Bryant Bank at 1-855-427-9268. Our team is dedicated to helping you guard your personal and business accounts and keep your money safe.
Reporting Potential Fraud
If you think you’ve been targeted by a fraudster, please contact your Bryant Banker so that we can help you report it to the appropriate law enforcement.
