The holiday season is 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 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 some things to look out for to keep your holiday merry and bright:
1. Be cautious of when you receive messages regarding account updates that request personal information. Cyber-criminals use every trick in the book to fool people into clicking links.
2. Check your accounts regularly. Utilize online and mobile banking for an up-to-the- minute list of transactions made on your account.
3. Use account alerts. Set up customized account alerts in your online and mobile banking account to stay informed. You can do this by clicking "Alerts" in the menu of Rockland Trust Online and Mobile Banking.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Be safe when using ATMs and other keypads. Skimming is on the rise, so it's essential to be vigilant when using ATMs and keypads at stores and gas pumps. Use one hand to cover your other hand when entering 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.
7. Keep a written record of your card number(s) separate from your wallet. Pho
8. Do not give out your card number over the phone or online to an unknown vendor or merchant. It is an excellent 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.
9. Consider using only one card to purchase gifts. Reducing the number of cards you carry at this time of year could reduce your potential for loss and/or exposure to fraud. Taking only one debit or credit card can also help you better track your holiday spending and keep your budget in check.
10. If a holiday sale for an item seems too good to believe, then don't believe it. We recommend only shopping at websites you know and trust.
11. Watch out for online holiday greeting cards, no matter the person you believe is sending them. This is one of the latest attacks for the holiday season. These e-cards usually arrive with links to unknown places. Verify the sender before checking into the email.
12. Assume every email is a phishing attempt. Make sure to look closely at the email address before opening the email. For example, some phishing emails use "+" instead of "t" Also, look for strange requests with the email; scammers take advantage of impulsive clicking in emails.
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 Learning Center.