MSB Blog

Traveling—whether for vacation, business, or family—should be exciting and stress-free. But while you're exploring new places, fraudsters are looking for opportunities to exploit distracted travelers. From debit card theft to travel scams, your personal and financial information can be at risk if you're not careful.

Here are essential tips to help you protect your accounts, avoid scams, and travel with peace of mind.

Protect Your Personal Information

Before You Go:

• Update your devices with the latest security patches and antivirus software.
  
  
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your banking and email accounts.
  
  
• Avoid oversharing travel plans on social media. Public posts can alert scammers that you're away from home.

While Traveling:

• Use secure Wi-Fi or a VPN when accessing sensitive information. Avoid logging into banking apps on public networks.
  
  
• Keep personal documents safe—passport, ID, and travel documents should be stored in a hotel safe or RFID-blocking travel wallet.

Debit Card Safety Tips

Notify Your Bank: Let your bank know your travel dates and destinations. This helps them monitor for suspicious activity and avoid unnecessary card blocks.

Use ATMs Wisely:

• Stick to ATMs at bank branches or well-lit, secure locations.
  
  
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and watch for card skimmers—devices that steal your card info.

Set Up Alerts: Enable transaction alerts via text or email to monitor your account in real time.

Protect Your Accounts

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider a password manager to keep them secure.
  
  
• Log out of banking apps after each session, especially on shared or public devices.
  
  
• Monitor your accounts daily while traveling to catch any unauthorized activity early.

Understand Currency Exchange

When traveling internationally, understanding how currency exchange works can help you avoid unnecessary fees and scams.

Tips to Keep in Mind:

• Know the current exchange rate before you go. 
  
  
• Avoid airport currency kiosks, which often have poor exchange rates and high fees.
  
  
• Use your debit card for purchases when possible—banks typically offer better exchange rates than cash exchanges.
  
  
• Watch for dynamic currency conversion (DCC): Some merchants may offer to charge your card in your home currency. This may seem convenient, but it often comes with hidden fees.
   
• Always choose to pay in the local currency when using your card abroad.

Avoid Travel Scams and Fraud

Scammers often target travelers with fake deals, phishing emails, and fraudulent booking sites. Here are some common scams to watch for:

Fake Travel Websites

You find a great deal on a flight or hotel, but the site is a scam. Always book through reputable travel agencies or directly with airlines and hotels.

Hotel Front Desk Scam

You receive a late-night call claiming to be from the hotel front desk asking to "verify" your card info. Never give payment details over the phone—go to the front desk in person.

Overpriced or Fake Rideshares

Only use official taxi services or rideshare apps. Avoid accepting rides from strangers offering transportation.

Traveling should be about making memories—not dealing with fraud. By taking a few proactive steps, you can protect your personal and financial information and enjoy your trip with confidence.

Monson Savings Bank Is Here to Help

At Monson Savings Bank, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead. We offer secure digital banking tools, fraud detection services, and personalized support to help protect your information. If you ever suspect fraud or need guidance, please contact us.

Visit our Personal Security Center or our Business Security Center for more information and check out more Safety and Security blog posts to stay informed.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or cybersecurity advice. Personal banking customers should consult with qualified professionals regarding their individual financial and security needs. Monson Savings Bank is not responsible for any losses or damages resulting from the use of this information.