Are you planning to go on vacation this summer? Maybe you’re planning to visit a new place or go to a familiar setting with friends and family. We hope you and your money stay out of harm’s way wherever you go. Consider the following to help:
- Carry your cash in multiple places (pocket, wallet, backpack, etc.), or go cashless with your digital wallet.
- Put your money and wallet in your front pocket or carry a decoy wallet.
- Beware of your surroundings when using an ATM—be sure the area around the ATM is clutter-free and well-lit.
- DO NOT call taxis off the street; instead, use taxi stands or a car service like Uber or Lyft.
- Use the safe in your hotel room to store your money, jewelry, or important documents and keep them secure whenever you leave your room.
- Don’t let your guard down to get the perfect picture to post on social media—stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Be cautious of using hotel Wi-Fi to make transactions if it’s not secure—and don’t use public Wi-Fi to conduct transactions.
Are you traveling abroad?
If you’re traveling outside of the United States this summer, consider the following BEFORE you leave on your trip:
- Learn the local laws and customs, and be aware of any security or travel alerts for the area.
- Carry minimal valuables with you, and ensure you have essential documents in your line of sight at all times—avoid using backpacks where you may not see them.
- Make a copy of your passport, itinerary, credit cards, driver’s license, traveler’s check serial numbers, and any other important document you may need. Keep one copy at home and one with you; this will speed up the replacement process if anything gets lost or stolen while on your trip.
- Be sure you know and understand the exchange rate before your trip.
- Obtain contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy in case of emergency—assistance is available 24/7.
- Make sure your prescription medication is updated and marked in original containers—pack your medication in a carry-on bag.
By taking these extra precautions, no matter where you travel this summer, you’ll take one step closer to making your vacation stress free. But unfortunately, these aren’t foolproof tips, so if you find yourself a victim of fraud or another scam, call us at 405-755-1000, and we’ll help you work through any financial issues you may encounter.
