The Everyday Banker

As we head into the heaviest shopping season of the year, now is a good time to make sure you’re protecting yourselves when shopping online.  Finding an amazing price online may save you money right now, but if it means compromising your accounts it could cost more in the long run.

 Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping online.

• Keep a close eye on your accounts. If a fraudulent transaction does occur, contact your bank as soon as possible. The sooner your bank knows there’s a problem the faster they’re able to help resolve the problem.
• At State Bank Financial we offer Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay which can be added to any smartphone. We ask our customer to consider adding these Mobile Wallet options because they provide an additional layer of security when using a debit card for purchases. Make sure to ask your bank about it as well.
• Most banks offer some form of alerts. At State Bank Financial we encourage our customers to sign up for free Guardian Text Alerts by following the link on our website. (https://www.statebankfinancial.bank/personal/visa-debit-card.html#guardian-text-alerts)  With Guardian you will be alerted any time your card is used and the card is not present (such as online or over the phone), or for a purchase over $500.
• Always shop with reputable online merchants. If you’re shopping with a merchant that you’re not familiar with, take a moment to do an internet search of the merchant to look for reviews, complaints or reports of scams that may be associated with the site.
• Not all online advertising link to reputable merchants. If an ad promises a free trial or “free gift” for the price of shipping, you may be agreeing to a subscription. “We often get calls from customers who sign up for a free trial but end up with a $90 charge, or larger, on their account two weeks later,” said Linda, a longtime State Bank Financial card specialists who works with State Bank Financial customers on debit card disputes.  “They know they’re paying a small amount for shipping on the free trial, but they don’t always read the fine print or realize they’ve signed up for a subscription.”  One suggestion is to always double-check the terms on any transaction that promises anything free.
• If you’re connected to the Internet using a public Wi-Fi connection (at a coffee shop, restaurant, or other public place), hackers may be able to see the information you’re sending. Save your cart and make the purchase from home instead.
• A legitimate online merchant should not ask for your Social Security Number. This is not required to run a transaction using your debit card.
• State Bank Financial will never ask for personal information (including account numbers or Social Security Numbers) online.

Just a few helpful tips to share as you head into the busy holiday season from all of us at State Bank Financial.   And remember, if you do find suspicious transactions on your State Bank Financial account, or have further questions, please call us at 1.800.880.7151.