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Stay Safe from Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
11/1/2024

Stay Safe from Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.

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Should I Save for Retirement or Emergencies?
11/1/2024

Should I Save for Retirement or Emergencies?

Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.

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Avoiding Financial Frights: How to Budget for Halloween Spending
9/23/2024

Avoiding Financial Frights: How to Budget for Halloween Spending

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.

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Preparing for Tax Season
3/7/2024

Preparing for Tax Season

Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.

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Unlocking Financial Goals: The Power of Club Accounts
2/15/2024

Unlocking Financial Goals: The Power of Club Accounts

Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.

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What is Card Skimming and How Can You Avoid It?

Authored By: merrimack on 7/25/2024

What is Card Skimming and How Can You Avoid It?

Card Skimming is a tactic that criminals use to obtain your sensitive information from your debit and credit cards. Criminals do this by installing devices on card-reading machines or other point-of-sale terminals. These devices capture and store data that the criminals use to sell or make purchases and withdrawals. Here’s what to know about card skimming and how to protect yourself.

Signs to Look Out For

Several signs may indicate the presence of a skimmer on a card reader or ATM:

  • Unusual damage to the card reader: Look for scratches, marks, or signs of forced entry that may indicate tampering.
  • Adhesive residue: Check for sticky substances around the edges of the card reader, which could indicate a skimmer has been attached and removed.
  • Unusual Keypad: If the keypad feels thicker or higher than usual, it could be due to an overlay that is designed to capture keystrokes.
  • Unexpected malfunctions: Be cautious if the ATM or card reader behaves oddly, such as not accepting cards properly, as this may point to manipulation.

Keep Yourself Safe

There are several steps you can take to keep yourself safe:

  • Monitor your accounts regularly. Keep an eye on your accounts and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
  • Steer clear of suspicious or unfamiliar card terminals or ATMs. Fraudsters tend to install skimmers in less visible and low-traffic locations.
  • Before inserting your card, inspect the terminal for any signs of tampering, especially the signs listed above.
  • Consider using contactless payment methods or mobile wallets where possible to avoid exposing your card information to potential skimming devices.

What to do if You’re a Victim of Card Skimming

If you suspect you have been a victim of card skimming, contact us as soon as possible so we can help protect your identity and accounts. Taking immediate action will help protect your financial security.

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