Summer is the prime season for travel and adventure. Whether jetting off to an exotic international destination or taking a road trip closer to home, it’s important to be mindful of potential security risks that could put a damper on your fun. To help ensure a safe and stress-free travel experience, consider implementing these essential summer travel tips:
Secure Your Personal Information
One of the biggest threats while traveling is the risk of identity theft or fraud. Avoid sharing sensitive information like social security numbers, account numbers, usernames, passwords, and card numbers with anyone you don’t know and trust implicitly. Keep personal documents securely locked away, as a suitcase offers minimal protection.
Be Wary of Unsolicited Calls and Scams
Scammers frequently target travelers by creating a sense of urgency to coax personal or financial information out of victims before they realize what’s happening. Amerant Bank and other legitimate financial institutions never contact customers to request account information or fund transfers. If such a situation arises, hang up immediately and contact your bank directly to verify.
Stay Vigilant at ATMs
While traveling, try to limit ATM use to secure, well-lit locations. Criminals sometimes install skimming devices or fake ATMs to steal card data and PINs in tourist areas. Always inspect the machine closely and shield your PIN entry. Consider withdrawing larger sums less frequently to minimize ATM interactions.
Public Computer and WiFi Risks
Never access sensitive accounts like banking or email on public computers or unsecured public WiFi networks, as these avenues provide easy access to hackers waiting to capture your information. Stick to encrypted internet connections whenever accessing anything private online.
Avoid Fake Websites
When banking or shopping online, always navigate directly to the legitimate website rather than using search engines, which can inadvertently lead to copycats designed to steal data. Amerant’s online banking is always accessed securely at https://www.amerantbank.com.
Beware of Phishing Attempts
Phishing emails, calls, and texts lure people into clicking malicious links or providing personal data. Be extremely cautious about any unsolicited message asking for sensitive information. When in doubt, contact Amerant directly to verify.
Quickly Report Lost/Stolen Cards
If your debit or credit card goes missing while traveling, report it immediately to your bank and local authorities. This rapid response is crucial for preventing and limiting financial damage.
Mind Your Social Sharing
While it is exciting to share vacation photos, avoid broadcasting too much personal information and your physical location online, as that can make you a target for criminal activity while away from home. Adjust privacy settings appropriately.
Set Up Account Alerts
Signing up for account alerts and monitoring your banking activity can help quickly identify suspicious activity that requires further investigation. Amerant makes it easy to personalize these notifications for maximum security.
By implementing simple protective measures, you can travel confidently this summer while minimizing risks and focusing on making amazing new memories. Amerant Bank is committed to empowering its customers with the knowledge and tools to stay secure, whether at home or traveling the globe. For more security tips, be sure to visit the Security Center.
