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Payment Card Safety During Summer Travel
From the July 3, 2017 Stickley on Security article “Gear Up For Summer Travel; But Don’t Forget About Payment Card Safety While You’re Gone”.
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Gear Up For Summer Travel; But Don’t Forget About Payment Card Safety While You’re Gone
When preparing for your summer travel, whether a fun-filled road trip across the vast and varied landscape of the United States, to welcoming South America, the old country in Europe, or anywhere else in the world, keep a few tips in mind when using payment cards. You can have payment card safety during summer travel.
Prepare Before You Leave
- Contact your payment card company before leaving and let them know you’re headed on a trip. Provide them your travel dates and countries you intend to visit, if headed out of the US. Because of the high number of credit card numbers stolen in this country, many of them will deny any charges that don’t fit within your “normal” charging profile. If they know your travel dates and destinations, they can authorize it for those dates and destinations only. Sometimes you can set up a travel profile online with your financial institution.
View Mid Oregon Credit Union’s travel notification for debit/credit cards.
- Check the credit limit for each card you take with you. If going to another country, the exchange rate differences may cause you to overcharge on your cards.
Carry Cards Safely
- Consider taking only one or two payment cards to lower the risk of all of them being stolen if your wallet or purse is stolen.
- Carry your cards and identification documents safely. Put wallets in front pockets and carry bags and purses in front of you, across your body. Money belts are another option. Backpacks are easy targets for pickpockets. If you carry one, carry it in front of you.
- Make copies of both sides of your cards and keep them separated from your actual cards and hidden as much as possible. This will make it easier to replace and report to local authorities and the Embassy.
Have Contact Phone Numbers
- Make sure you have the international phone numbers for your payment card issuing institutions before you leave the United States and stashed where you can get to them quickly. While you’re getting those, jot down phone numbers for the local police in your destinations and the nearest US Embassies just in case you need to report theft, should you be headed overseas.
Review Your Card Accounts While Traveling
- Check your card accounts as often as you can while traveling to make sure there are no unauthorized charges. This is easy to forget when vacationing. If there are suspicious charges, contact the issuing institution immediately. Often just a few minutes on the phone will resolve it and you can go back to the fun.
- If abroad and you find your payment or identification card missing, immediately report it to the card issuer, the local police, and the US Embassy. When you get home, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit to report the stolen cards. Also file a report using the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039. This is to mitigate any potential identity theft effects.
As always, never leave your cards unattended and cover your PIN numbers when entering them into keypads. Take a quick look at the ATMs as well to ensure there are no card skimmers attached to them. When traveling, these may be easy to miss because the machines are not familiar. A quick glance will prevent your card information from going to a cybercriminal while on your trip.
Getting in Financial Shape this Summer
6 Tips for Getting in Financial Shape this Summer
At a time when many are busy getting their bodies beach ready, why not consider whipping your finances into shape this summer. Could you use a few tips for getting in financial shape?
Here are six things you can do to get your financial situation looking right.
1. Put Your Money On Autopilot
Set up direct deposit, authorize electronic payments, and automate routine savings. Streamlining your finances with online tools is about more than just saving time–it’s fun, helps you avoid late fees and overdraft fees, and helps you save money. Mid Oregon has the digital tools you need. Our mobile app give you convenience and control. Deposit checks, turn your debit card on and off, and many more features.
2. Create a Budget
Only about 40% of adults have a spending plan, according to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Create a plan by comparing expenses to monthly take-home pay. Look for spending leaks and make adjustments where necessary. Our loan officers can help you get started.
3. Build An Emergency Fund
Fifty-six percent of Americans don’t have a rainy day fund. Strive to save three to eight months of income and increase savings from there. Setting up an automatic transfer from checking to savings can help you build this fund. Savers’ Club Certificates are the perfect way to build up your fund. Read more about emergency funds.
4. Build Up Your Credit Score
Pay all bills on time, every time; keep a low utilization ratio; don’t open a flurry of new accounts in a short time period; don’t close existing credit; and pay your fines. Whether it’s a parking ticket or a library fine, pay up. If debts are reported to a credit reporting agency, they can knock down your credit score. For adults without credit scores or those trying to raise their score, our Credit Builder Loans can make a world of difference. Visit one of our 7 Central Oregon branches or email us to learn more.
5. Review Your Credit Report
Routinely checking your credit report can keep you informed of your credit score and of fraudulent activity on your accounts. Request one free credit report a year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus by visiting annualcreditreport.com, the only website authorized to provide free reports. You also can call 877-322-8228 or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348-5281.
6. Beef up retirement funds
Make regular contributions to a retirement savings plan such as a 401(k) or IRA. If your company offers a 401(k) plan, contribute at least enough to meet the company match. If you don’t it’s like leaving free money on the table. Also consider opening an IRA at your Mid Oregon.
Would you like some additional tips? Visit any Mid Oregon branch and discuss your situation with one of our team. We would love to help you get in financial shape this summer!
Picnic in the Park’s 15 Year Anniversary
Every year one of the highlights of the Central Oregon summer is the Picnic in the Park Summer Concert Series, and this year promises to be no different. On Wednesday, July 17, the Picnic in the Park’s 15 Year Anniversary opening celebration kicks off at Pioneer Park in Prineville with Northwest favorite Precious Byrd, beginning at 6 pm. As always, admission is free. The series, hosted by the Crook County Foundation, is made possible through the contributions of Mid Oregon Credit Union, Oregonians Credit Union, The Prineville-Crook County Chamber & Visitor Center, and more.
Precious Byrd on 7/17
Precious Byrd is one of the most sought after bands in the Pacific Northwest. Voted #1 Party Band in Oregon multiple years running they have played for brands like Nike, Deschutes Brewery, Pendleton Whiskey, and more! Their fresh renditions of modern and classic hits, along with a number of high energy originals are sure to fill the dance floor and get people on their feet! For more information visit https://preciousbyrd.com/.
Make Your Evening More Enjoyable
Attendees of Picnic in the Park’s 15 Year Anniversary concerts should bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and can pack their dinner or buy food at the park or nearby. Alcohol is not allowed in the Park, but non-alcoholic beverages are fine. It can get chilly later in the evening so bring a sweater, jacket or blanket to stay warm. Most nights are very mild and enjoyable. We hope you can join us on Wednesday nights. The lineup for 2019 is as follows:
2019 Lineup:
July 17- Precious Byrd. Opening Night! They draw thousands to local street festivals and events in their local area and continue to spread love and music wherever they go!
July 24- Joe Shinkle & 99 West. This country dance band will have you on your feet with the best of country classics and today’s country western.
July 31- The Rock Bottom Boys. Rock ‘N Roll with Hillbilly Soul! Join Lucky, Red and Henk. “Twisting and warping rock and roll hits” for fans across America!
August 7- (at the CC Fair*): Modern Gentlemen. Originally brought together as a quartet by the legendary Frankie Valli! With the stylings of the classic vocal groups of yesterday, they blend today’s sound creating the ultimate vocal experience for all ages! Mid Oregon is not a sponsor, but still a great concert!
August 14- Scott Brockett Band. This local favorite grew up singing his way through CCHS and all over Prineville. Making a name for himself on the Portland and regional music scene, his unique mix of classic rock, blues, R&B, and originals will surely be a concert you will enjoy!
August 21- The Notables. The big band era comes alive whenever the Notables Swing Band plays the great swing music of the 1930’s – 50’s. They are a 17-member band in Central Oregon that provides rousing, live, big band music for dancing and entertainment.
Picnic in the Park flyers to download and print: