The holiday season is already in full swing, and with it comes the mad rush to find the perfect gift for those special people on your list. Unfortunately, this is also a time when you need to keep a closer eye on your accounts due to increased activity from fraudsters. While millions of credit and debit card transactions are conducted safely every day, the increased volume during the holiday season makes consumers more susceptible to scams. Rockland Trust is taking extra measures to help keep your accounts safe, but here are seven additional steps you can take to keep your holiday merry and bright:
- Notify us beforehand if you are travelling. Contact us if you will be travelling out of state or the U.S. This will prevent your card from becoming locked. You can easily let us know your travel plans by logging in to your Rockland Trust Online Banking account and completing the form titled "ATM/Debit Card Travel Notification Form" located in the menu item "Travel Notifications" under the "Services" tab.
- Check your accounts regularly. Utilize online and mobile banking for an up to the minute list of transactions made on your account. You can also set up email or text alerts in online banking to notify you when your balance is low, your password is changed, funds are transferred, and more.
- Download the SecurLOCK Equip app. With the SecurLOCK Equip app, you can lock or unlock your debit card for purchases, select geographic locations where your card can be used, set transaction spending limits, set up transaction alerts, and more.
- Make sure you only make purchases on secure websites when shopping online. Look for indicators such as a closed padlock or an unbroken key on your screen. Additionally, when you come to a site’s order page where you are asked to type in your credit card number, there should be an "s" after "http" in the URL bar at the top of the page.
- Be safe when using ATMs and other keypads. Skimming is on the rise so it’s important to be vigilant when using ATMs and keypads at stores and gas pumps. Use one hand to cover your other hand when entering in your PIN. Also, be on the lookout for indications that an ATM/keypad may have been tampered with and contact the bank or store owner immediately if you notice anything suspicious.
- Keep a written record of your card number(s) separate from your wallet. Photocopy the front and back of all of your debit and credit cards and keep them in a secure place at your home. This will help you quickly notify your bank or credit card issuer in the event that your wallet is lost or stolen.
- Do not give out your card number over the phone or online to an unknown vendor or merchant. It is a good idea to do a little research on companies if you have never done business with them before. Do not give out your card information until you can confirm that a particular business is legitimate.
- Consider using only one card to purchase gifts this Christmas. Reducing the number of cards you carry at this time of year could reduce your potential for loss and/or exposure to fraud. Carrying only one debit or credit card can also help you better track your holiday spending and keep your budget in check.
- Look for holiday sales. Many retailers reward email subscribers and loyal customers with discounts. Consider signing up for emails from your favorite retailers to get advance notice of their holiday sales. You may also receive free shipping for online orders.
- Stash some cash throughout the year. Rockland Trust’s free savings account is the perfect place to automatically deposit cash so you’re ready for next year’s holiday shopping. For example, just $10 a week can lead to over $500 and because you’re saving through direct deposit, it’s painless. You can open an account online today or visit one of our branches.
- Compare prices. You can save time and money by checking prices online. Check out websites that compare prices for items purchased online. Some sites may also compare prices offered at stores in your area.
If you have any concerns about activity on your account, please contact us as soon as possible. For more tips on banking safety and other financial topics, visit our Financial Education Library.
