Stay merry, stay bright, keep fraud out of sight—card controls & security tips to make your season right.
The holidays are here—lights are twinkling, gifts are piling up, and your inbox? Well, it might be filling up with something less merry: scams. Fraudsters love this season as much as we do (but for all the wrong reasons). They know you’re busy shopping, traveling, and spreading cheer, and they’ll try to sneak in with tricks that could cost you big.
They might pretend to be the government, tech support, a charity, or even your favorite retailer. They’ll pressure you to act fast—sometimes asking for cash, precious metals, or even cryptocurrency. Some will even send a courier to make it feel “safe.” Spoiler alert: it’s not.
So, how do you keep your money safe when fraudsters are working overtime? The good news is, you have tools that put you in control. One of the most powerful and easy to use is Card Controls. They’re simple, effective, and designed to give you peace of mind during the busiest shopping season of the year.
Your Holiday Hero: Card Controls
Think of card controls as your digital elf, working behind the scenes to keep your money safe. With card controls, you can:
- Freeze your debit card instantly if something feels off.
- Set spending limits (because holiday budgets are real) to decline transactions over a specific dollar amount.
- Restrict transactions by location or merchant type—perfect for avoiding surprise charges.
- Get real-time alerts so you know exactly when and where your debit card is used.
It’s like having Santa’s naughty-or-nice list for your transactions. But if you do see something aloof, call us immediately at 800.797.6324. Quick action can save your holiday cheer!
Top Holiday Fraud Tips
Along with card controls, keep these tips in your sleigh:
Use Mobile Wallet
- Adding your card to a digital wallet (like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay®) adds an extra layer of security. Learn more about Mobile Wallets. (link to mobile wallets page on MB.com)
Shop on Secure Websites
- Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser address bar.
- Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi unless you use a VPN.
Monitor Your Accounts Frequently
- Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
Slow down and skip the click
- Don’t click on links in unexpected emails, texts, or pop-ups.
- Verify messages by contacting the company directly using official contact info.
Use strong, unique passwords
- Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
- Consider a password manager for added security.
Keep devices updated and secure
- Install the latest software and security patches on your phone, tablet, and computer. Better yet, turn on the auto update feature on your device!
Avoid Storing Card Info on Retail Sites
- Enter your payment details manually each time for added protection.
Ignore mystery numbers
- Never share your personal information with strangers or ‘officials’ who call out of the blue
Remember: If something seems off it usually is! Call us immediately at 800.797.6324. Quick action can save your holiday cheer. Stay safe from fraudsters all year long — Visit mechanicsbank.com/security.