It’s the time of year when identity thieves and consumer fraudsters take advantage of summer vacationers. This type of crime heats up during the summertime, so use your checking accounts and savings account more carefully. If you’re planning on traveling this summer, or even if you’re not, it’s a good time to take these simple steps to protect yourself.
Change your pins and codes
If you’re far from home, chances are you may be using banking products like mobile banking and online banking more often, in addition to more visits to the ATM. Everybody loves codes they can remember, but accessing these features in public or on shared computer spaces opens up the chances of someone picking up your data.
It’s a good idea to modify these passwords regularly, before or after traveling is a really good time to do it. And if you forget your passwords and get “locked out” (it happens), just give your local community bank, Legacy National Bank, a call. We’ll fix you up as soon as possible with ways to confirm your identity for maximum safety.
If you need a few helpful hints on coming up with secure passwords, take a look at this article. https://legacyar.com/learn/help-us-keep-your-legacy-safe/
Shred important documents
The warm weather also brings out the trash bandits and dumpster divers, and we’re not talking raccoons. Anything that has personal information – account numbers, birthdates and social security numbers – should be destroyed beyond recognition before you pitch it. When in doubt, don’t just throw it out – shred it.
Personal office shredders are a good investment in protection that could save you hassle and dollars in the long run.
Traveling
When you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck on summer vacation deals, beware of scams. Only use trusted travel services and websites, and do some research before you buy. Ask others for reference, and never trust anyone who insists on a bank-wire payment. Chances are they want their money quick, so when they don’t deliver the lodgings or goods, they’ll be long gone.
Many online rental companies like Airbnb will not release payment to the homeowner until 24 hours after you have checked in. These are the types of protections you should look for to avoid bait-and-switch and third party scammers.
At Legacy National Bank, our goal is to be the best bank in Northwest Arkansas. For us, that means looking out for our customers wherever they may go. If you ever have any questions about how to help us protect your accounts or get the best loan rates in NWA, just give us a call or come by to visit us at any of our banks in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers or Springdale.