Tips for Financial Protection When Traveling
Summer is a popular time for many to travel, whether it be within your home state or across the ocean. No matter where you are going on vacation, it is best to keep some of the following tips in mind to help protect your finances and financial information during travel.
Add a Travel Note for your OTIS Debit/Credit Cards (international travel only).
If you are traveling outside of the United States, it is best to let us know either with a phone call or by adding a Travel Note to your card(s) through OTIS Online or Mobile. This Travel Note lets us know the basics of your travel plans so that you can use your card(s) without interruption.
- To add a Travel Note within home banking, select Card Controls > Travels, and then press the “+” button to add a Note.
- Fill in the Travel Period, Travel Type (International), Destination(s), and select the appropriate cards.
Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Having cash on hand may be convenient, but carrying a large amount may catch the eye of someone who is up to no good.
Proceed with caution when using any gas pump, ATM, or credit card reader.
- Examine the terminal and check if anything is loose. If you notice anything loose, crooked, scratched, or otherwise damaged (or if you notice tape residue), the terminal may have been tampered with.
- When entering your PIN, use your other hand to block the keypad to prevent potential hidden cameras from recording your information.
- If possible, try to use ATMs at inside locations and away from tourist areas, as criminals are less likely to install skimmers at such locations.
- If your card isn’t returned after completing or canceling a transaction, immediately contact OTIS Federal Credit Union!
Avoid entering your online banking information while using an unsecure wireless network.
Your personal information could be at risk when you use an unsecure wireless network. We do not recommend you enter any personal information (financial or otherwise) while connected to an unsecure network.
(Some information in this article is courtesy of the Maine Credit Union League)