1. Keep Your Cards Close and Covered

Card skimming is a quiet crime - thieves attach hidden devices to ATMs or payment terminals to capture your card number and PIN. Before you swipe, take a quick look at the reader. If it looks loose, crooked, or mismatched in color or style, don’t use it.

When entering your PIN, always cover the keypad with your hand. It might feel unnecessary, but it blocks hidden cameras that capture your keystrokes.

When possible, tap to pay with your phone or card instead of inserting the chip or swiping. Contactless payments use encryption that makes them far more secure - and they’re faster, too.

Pro tip: Consider using a credit card instead of a debit card for purchases in public places like gas stations or outdoor ATMs. Credit cards come with stronger consumer protections if your information is ever compromised.

2. Know the Early Signs of Identity Theft

Identity theft doesn’t always start with a stolen card. It often begins quietly, with small clues. Stay alert for these early warning signs:

• Unfamiliar charges or withdrawals on your statement
• Bills or account statements that suddenly stop arriving
• Calls from debt collectors about accounts you never opened
• New credit accounts appearing on your credit report

If anything looks suspicious, contact your bank immediately and review your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can get one free report from each major bureau every year - or more often if you’ve been a victim of fraud.

3. Be Careful What You Share Online

What you post online can tell scammers more about you than you think. Public social media profiles often reveal answers to common security questions - like your pet’s name, your birthday, or your favorite vacation spot. That’s all a criminal needs to guess passwords or impersonate you.

Before sharing a post or photo, ask yourself: Would I share this with a stranger? Keep your accounts private, limit the audience for your posts, and review your friend lists regularly. Even a well-meaning acquaintance’s hacked account can spread phishing links.

And remember: sharing less personal information today makes it harder for fraudsters to manipulate you tomorrow.

4. Set Up Account Alerts for Instant Awareness

Knowledge is power - especially when it comes to your money. GBC Bank’s account alerts make it easy to stay on top of your transactions in real time.

You can set up notifications for:

• Large or unusual purchases
• ATM withdrawals or transfers
• Low balances or deposits
• Online purchases or international activity

If something looks off, you’ll know right away and can freeze your card directly from your mobile app. This quick action can make all the difference in stopping fraud before it spreads.