Travelers Are At Much Higher Risk Of Credit Fraud, And Here’s How To Protect Yourself When Vacationing
According to a 2022 survey conducted by The Vacationer, eighty percent of American adults will be traveling this summer.
That means over two hundred and eight million people will be on the go, whether nationally or internationally.
And if you are a part of this statistic, there are a few necessary safety precautions you should take to protect your money.
Did you know that last year, over three hundred and eighty-nine thousand credit fraud cases occurred in the U.S.?
Well, cybersecurity experts at software company NordVPN have revealed that travelers are much more likely to be affected by the crime.
In fact, NordVPN recently discovered a global database of over four million stolen credit cards for sale online.
Alarmingly, one and a half million of those cards belong to Americans– and the experts are warning travelers.
Hackers that gain access to financial information can drain your savings, open accounts unbeknownst to you, take out loans under your name, and ultimately steal your identity.
In turn, travelers need to be aware of these risks and take a myriad of precautions.
Drobot Dean – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
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First, NordVPN suggests that trip-goers only use cash or prepaid cards for their travel purchases. If stolen, these cards are much easier to freeze and cannot be used to steal your identity.
Second, be proactive with your financial institution. Inform your bank where and when you will be traveling prior to actually embarking on your trip.
After alerting them, your bank can freeze any transactions they deem suspicious, and that might indicate fraud.
You should also routinely monitor your own online bank statements while away to ensure no purchases are slipping under the radar.
But, be wary of where you perform financial transactions. Only use ATMs when absolutely necessary, and be sure to analyze the machine for any RFID chip scanners that can steal your card information.
Moreover, never make any online purchases while using a public computer or a public unsecured wifi network.
There is always a chance that these networks can be intercepted by hackers who can steal your credit card number.
Taking these precautionary measures will significantly lower the risk of any credit fraud occurring on your trip– allowing you to sit back and simply enjoy your vacation.
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