Online shopping has caused a rise in credit card fraud. Scammers will try different tricks to get access to your information. Follow these tips to protect your financial health.

Privacy is Important

Free Wi-Fi is very convenient when you’re out, however it can be dangerous to make any transactions on it. If you’re paying a bill or purchasing something and you’re not on password protected internet your information could be stolen. Always use a private Wi-Fi if you have to enter your information. It is one of the easiest ways for credit card fraud to occur.

Look at Your Statements

If you check your accounts on a regular basis you will catch any fraudulent activity much quicker. You know what you use your credit card for, so if you see something wrong or your balance is “off” report it. The faster you catch something wrong the faster you will have it fixed.

Keep Your Information to Yourself

One of the biggest scams happens by phone. It could be a fake contest, or maybe a charity asking for a donation. It might sound real, but it probably isn’t. Never give out your credit card information over the phone, through email, or any way that might seem suspicious.

Don’t Share Your Card

This one might sound like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised. Never give out your credit card to anyone. If you want to pay for your friend’s meal you use your card. Don’t give your card to someone who is picking up food just because you want to treat them. Go out and use your card yourself. Accidents happen, and if people lose their own cards then they can lose your card as well.

Stay informed with SeaComm’s Fraud Center. As your credit union, we want to keep you and your finances safe. That’s why we created our Fraud Center, which includes valuable resources to help educate and empower our members to protect their assets and identities. Click here to get started.