TruCommunity Blog

Summer travel is all about adventure, relaxation – and unfortunately, it is also ripe opportunities for fraudsters. Before you hit the road or board that flight, check out these quick tips to protect your money and keep your trip secure and stress-free.

1. Set travel notices for debit card usage

Help us help you enjoy uninterrupted debit card access while you’re away. Submitting a travel notice lets know where you’ll be and when so your out-of-town purchases don’t get flagged as suspicious.

The easiest way to do this is using the Brella® mobile app. Tap “Manage travel notices” on the menu screen, follow the prompts and provide us your travel dates and destinations. This simple step helps us identify legitimate transactions and keep your card active while you travel. Search “Brella Card Manager” in your app store to learn more and to download.

2. Keep essential items with you

 Never leave electronics, purses, wallets, or valuables overnight – even in the trunk. Always take personal items inside with you and lock up your hotel room. When heading out for the day, consider using the “Do Not Disturb” sign to avoid unnecessary room access.

Same applies if biking or walking on trailheads. Don’t leave purses or wallets in the vehicle. Carry the essentials with you – driver’s license, cash, and debit card.

3. Be smart when using ATMs

Stick to ATMs in well-lit, secure areas. Before inserting your card, give the card reader a wiggle to check for tampering. If anything seems off, cancel the transaction and alert the financial institution and local authorities as it could be a skimmer. If your card seems to stick or not flow smoothly, trust your instincts and don’t proceed.

4. Watch out for fake travel booking sites

Some scammers create fake versions of popular travel booking websites, complete with professional-looking designs and tempting offers. Always double check the website’s address and look for misspellings (like Airbmb – “m” instead of “n”) or odd domain endings. Not sure if a site is legit? Search for reviews or visit trusted travel forums before booking.  

5. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi networks

Free Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s often not secure. Scammers may set up fake Wi-Fi networks to steal your personal information. Avoid logging into banking or credit accounts on public networks. Whenever possible, use a private, secure Wi-Fi connection when checking financial information while traveling.

If you ever notice suspicious activity on your account, contact us right away. We are here to help protect you! Stay safe, travel smart and enjoy your summer adventures!