Guard your info: Mastercard’s top 10 back-to-school safety tips

As the summer winds down and the back-to-school season begins, it’s essential to stay vigilant against scams , particularly when preparing for the return to everyday activities and responsibilities. Scammers know you're busy setting up new tech, enrolling in activities, and preparing for the upcoming school year, making it easier for them to strike.

Here are Mastercard’s top 10 tips to keep your info safe and secure during this hectic time.

01
Beware of phishing attacks

At this time of year, scammers are on the lookout for opportunities to launch phishing attacks, taking advantage of your busy preparations and online activity. Watch out for fake online shops with too-good-to-be-true discounts on seasonal items or emails promising exclusive deals. These scams are designed to steal your personal information and money!

02
Avoid imposter scams

Imposter scams can take the form of phishing emails, smishing texts, or vishing phone calls where a scammer pretends to be someone else — such as a school bursar warning of late payments — to trick you into sending money or risking the loss of memberships. If you receive a call involving money, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified number, not the one provided by the caller.

03
Be careful with online tutors

Starting a new year in school can be tricky, you or your children might be looking for some extra help with schoolwork. But watch out when searching for online tutors—scams are becoming more common. They might pretend to be tutors, but after you pay, they may demand even more money. Only use trusted platforms and services when searching for online tutors. Check references and reviews, and never pay for services before verifying the tutor's credentials.

04
Think before you post

Sharing school-related photos and details online can unintentionally reveal personal information. Be mindful of what you post. Avoid sharing specific details like school names or locations that could be used to answer security questions or gain unauthorized access to your accounts. Instead, share general updates that don’t reveal sensitive information.

05
Segment your home Wi-Fi

If your children have a computer or tablet that they take to school, consider segmenting your home Wi-Fi.  This will keep anything malicious off of your main home network. When their friends come over, have them connect to a guest Wi-Fi, ensuring anything risky on their device doesn’t infect your network.

06
Secure all your devices

Ensuring that all devices, especially those used by children, are secure is vital. Install most recent antivirus software, use strong and unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. Teach your children the basics of device security and make it a rule to avoid downloads from untrusted sources and never share passwords.

07
Set up account alerts

Most banks offer alerts for transactions, large purchases and suspicious activities. By setting up these alerts, you can be immediately notified of any unexpected charges or account changes. You can customize these notifications to include alerts for transactions over a certain amount, international purchases, or any attempt to change account settings.

08
Use ID theft protection

Check If you have ID Theft Protection available with your bank or card issuer, and ensure it is set up as that will help keep you protected if you fall victim to ID Theft with proactive monitoring, detection and alerting.

09
Monitor your bank statements

Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements, especially during the busy back-to-school season. Review your financial statements regularly. If you spot any suspicious activity, report it immediately to your bank or credit card company. They may suggest freezing your card or issuing a new one to prevent further unauthorized transactions.

10
Go digital – Use wallet apps for safer payments

Set up a digital wallet for your go-to cards. It’s an easy way to add an extra layer of protection every time you pay. Digital wallets use tokenization to protect your card details, reducing the risk of your information being stolen during a transaction.