Leave Home Without It

For years, we’ve been told to “not leave home without it”.  But, there are several items people carry around every day in their wallets and purses that would be better off staying at home.  By being more aware of what you carry around, you may greatly reduce your identity theft risk.

These are the items that Kathryn Tuggle, Fox Business writer, lists in her article, “10 Things You Shouldn’t Keep in Your Wallet or Purse.”

• Social Security Card

• Passport

• Passwords/Passcodes

• A Non-Password Protected Phone

• Your Checkbook

• Too Many Credit Cards

• Too Much Cash

• Gift Cards/Certificates

• Loose Jewelry or USB Devices

• Receipts

If you do need them, only carry the items you need for specific errands.  This way, you aren’t giving thieves an opportunity to steal not only personal possessions, but bank account numbers, social security numbers, passwords and detailed personal information.

Are You Staying Close To Home?

The price of gas remains near record highs. What does it mean for your family’s summer travel?

>> Tell us what you think. And share any stay-cation ideas you have!

Enjoy the Summer, Keep your Debit Card Info Safe

This summer you may find yourself traveling a long distance for a fun adventure, or you may be driving the kids all over town or around the state for different events, such as swimming lessons and little league baseball games. This means using your debit card more often than you usually do – for the purchase of fuel, flights, food and fun. You’ll also find yourself at your local ATM more often. Even though you’re busy, it’s important to take a moment to manage your money and to remember some safety tips when using your card.

The following are some Consumer Reports suggestions about staying safe this summer…

• Beware when using foreign ATMs –
  If you see an out-of-order sign on a legitimate ATM, beware of using a nearby ATM. Thieves may have set up a phony ATM to “skim” card data. Consumer Reports also suggests keeping your PIN code separate from your ATM or debit card. Also, when keying your PIN into an ATM or card reader, shield the keypad with your free hand. Do not allow hidden cameras or any person to be in sight of the keypad.

• Protect your card and information at gas pumps –
  Consumer Reports reported “Card-skimming at gas stations is likely to increase during summer months, especially in vacation areas.” To protect yourself, they suggest using cash or credit cards at the pump, if possible. Should you have to use a debit card, process it as a credit card transaction instead of using your PIN.

• Update your account weekly –
  Be sure to maintain your account, so should any unauthorized transactions take place, you may report them to your bank quickly. Time is of the essence!

• What to do with receipts? –
  Do not discard receipts at ATM locations or the gas pump. Keep them until you match the amounts with the transactions, wait for them to clear the bank, then shred the receipts.

• Your trash may be a treasure to a thief –
  Be sure to shred bank account statements and other financial information prior to tossing them in the trash. Trash is among the top methods used by thieves to commit Identity Theft. Protect yourself – Don’t let them do it to you!

>> Have you heard of other “card-skimming” scams? Share with the community, so that we all can work to protect our identity.