There’s nothing like holiday travel season for spending time with friends and family. But while you’re on the road, make sure your home and hearth is kept safe and secure so you don’t encounter any unpleasant surprises upon your return.
Security
Guard Against Fraud at the Gas Pump
Fraudsters are always looking for ways to separate you from your hard-earned money. One place where you may be most vulnerable is at the gas station, especially during the upcoming travel season. That’s because thieves install skimming devices on gas pumps that steal your credit or debit card information. They then sell the data, make fraudulent cards to withdraw cash from ATMs, or buy merchandise that they can sell.
Steer Clear of Person-to-Person (P2P) Payment Scams
It’s great to have the convenience of person-to-person (P2P) payment services, but any time there’s money involved, you can be sure fraudsters are not far behind. That’s why it’s important to know how to use them wisely.
It’s a Money Thing: How to Spot Scams
If you use a cellphone or have an email account, you’ve almost certainly been exposed to an attempt at mass marketing fraud. 
Security Matters: Freezes, Fraud Alerts and More
Now more than ever, it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to keeping your finances secure. When Equifax recently had a data breach, 143 million people discovered that their personal information including birthdates, Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses and addresses had been compromised, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft. After the breach, experts recommended consumers combat this exposure by stepping up their security measures. Here are some options to consider if you’re worried about identity theft.
Five Tips to Protect Your Accounts and Your Identity
With fraud and identity theft on the rise, there are easy ways to protect your financial information and identity. Here are five tips to keep top of mind.
How to Protect Your Money and Accounts Online
Being able to bank or shop online is a great convenience, but you want to be sure you’re protecting yourself before you hit “submit.” If the wrong people access your accounts, you might find yourself with a lot less money than you thought—and a lot of work to set things right. Here are six steps you can take to help make sure that doesn’t happen.
Tips to Avoid 5 Common Online Job Scams
The internet can be a great resource when you’re searching for a new job. Unfortunately, it’s also home to many online scammers who are constantly devising new employment schemes to trick you into handing over your money or sensitive personal information so they can steal your identity.
Financial Moves for a Great Vacation
No matter where the road may take you, there are ways to plan smart, save money and keep your finances secure while you’re away. Here are some tips to make your future journeys more enjoyable.
Travel Planning: DIY or Travel Agent?
Thanks to the Internet, many consumers have become well-versed in online vacation shopping to snag the best travel deals. However, sometimes you may want to consider using the services of a travel agent, which can be a real time-saver, and in general, costs about the same as a do-it-yourself booking. Getting that expertise may be worth it when you have specific travel dates and destinations in mind for a special getaway, and you can sometimes save a lot on airline and hotel costs. And don’t forget the travel benefits that may come with your credit card. For instance, SchoolsFirst FCU MasterCard® Rewards Card1 offers both the MasterCard Concierge Service, designed to help you plan and book travel, and Priceless Cities, which offer one-of-a-kind deals on hotels, restaurants and shopping. Both are free.
Securing Your Computer
A business tool, source of entertainment, and gateway to the Internet, your computer can also be a threat to your privacy and financial security if you fail to ensure the safety of your online experience.