Summer is a time for making memories—family vacations, beach days, and well-earned getaways. But while you're planning your next adventure, scammers are planning too. At Member First Credit Union, protecting our members and their financial well-being is at the heart of everything we do. As travel picks up, so do fraud attempts—making awareness your best defense. Here are simple ways to help keep your money and personal information safe this summer.
Common Summer Scams to Watch For
Fake Vacation Rentals
That dream rental at a surprisingly low price may not be real. Scammers often copy legitimate listings or create fake ones to collect upfront payments.
Stay safe:
- Book through trusted platforms or directly with the property
- Never send payments through wire transfers or peer-to-peer apps
- Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true
Phishing Emails & Fake Booking AlertsFraudsters may pose as airlines, hotels, or travel websites asking you to verify your information.
Stay safe:
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts
- Go directly to official websites instead
- Watch carefully for misspellings or unusual email addresses
Public Wi-Fi RisksFree Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it can expose your information to hackers.
Stay safe:
- Avoid accessing online banking on public networks
- Disable auto-connect on your devices
- Use a secure connection whenever possible
Debit & Credit Card FraudTourist areas are common targets for card skimming and unauthorized transactions.
Stay safe:
- Use ATMs located inside financial institutions
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
- Check your accounts regularly for unfamiliar charges
Smart Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Summer
- Use your credit card when possible for added fraud protection
- Set up account alerts to monitor activity
- Limit what you share on social media while traveling
- Keep copies of important documents in a secure location
If Something Doesn't Feel Right
If you notice suspicious activity or believe you may have been targeted, you should:
- Contact Members First Credit Union of Florida immediately
- Monitor your accounts closely
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities
- Members First Credit Union of Florida will never ask for your internet or mobile banking password under any circumstances. In addition, we will never ask you over an automated call or fraud alert for sensitive information such as your PIN, CVV code, Social Security Number, or online banking login details. If you receive an automated call requesting any of this information or suspect that you've been targeted by a scam, hang up immediately and report the incident to us.
Quick action can make a big difference in protecting your finances.
Your Security is Our Priority
At Members First Credit Union of Florida, we're committed to helping you enjoy life's moments—without added stress. Whether you're traveling across the state, across the country, or overseas, you can count on us to help keep your financial future secure.
Before you head out, take a few minutes to get travel-ready with Members First:
- Notify us of your travel plans to prevent card interruptions
- Set up fraud and transaction alerts through internet banking or the mobile banking app
- Review your accounts before and after your trip
Need help?
Give us a call or stop by a branch near you to make sure your accounts are travel-ready. You can also set up alerts or add a travel notice with Internet or mobile banking.
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