As spring turns into summer, increased travel and on-the-go spending create more opportunities for fraudsters. With card usage rising for things like booking vacations and fueling road trips, financial institutions face a renewed responsibility to help consumers stay vigilant and protected. For credit unions, this is more than a seasonal trend— it’s an opportunity to reinforce their role as trusted financial partners and educators.
“Fraud is constantly evolving, especially during high-activity seasons like travel months,” said Bijal Gami, Vice President of Card Portfolio and Operations at Members 1st Federal Credit Union . “The key is having strong security tools in place, but also ensuring members understand how to use them and what to watch for.”
Why Education Matters More Than Ever
Recent research underscores the importance of proactive education. Studies from the USC Center for Economic and Social Research and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation show that even brief financial education interventions can significantly reduce fraud. Meanwhile, a March 2026 survey conducted for the American Bankers Association found that 96% of consumers who received a fraud alert from their financial institution considered it valuable.
For credit unions, these findings reinforce a long-standing differentiator: financial education isn’t just an add-on, but part of the core mission of the cooperative mindset. By equipping members with timely and practical information, credit unions can help prevent fraud before it happens, rather than simply reacting after the fact.
Meeting Members Where They Are
Travel-related fraud schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fake booking websites, phishing emails disguised as confirmations, scam text messages posing as fraud alerts and card skimming devices at gas pumps or ATMs are just a few of the most common threats.
Credit unions are uniquely positioned to address these risks through a combination of technology and personalized service. Real-time fraud alerts like transaction monitoring and card controls empower members to act quickly, while 24/7 support teams provide reassurance when something doesn’t seem right. Equally important is ongoing communication through digital channels and branch interactions that keep fraud prevention top of mind during peak spending periods.
Practical Habits That Make a Difference
While advanced security tools are essential, member behavior remains one of the strongest lines of defense. Credit unions continue to emphasize simple, effective habits that can significantly reduce risk such as:
- Booking travel through trusted, reputable sources
- Avoiding suspicious links or unexpected messages about account issues
- Monitoring transactions regularly and enabling account alerts
- Steering clear of entering payment information on unsecured public Wi-Fi
- Staying alert to potential card skimming devices at gas pumps and ATMs
- Reporting suspicious activity immediately
These small actions, when reinforced consistently, can have a measurable impact on reducing fraud exposure.
A Responsibility and Opportunity for Credit Unions
At their core, credit unions are built on trust. In an environment where financial scams are becoming more complex and more common, that very trust is strengthened through protection and proactive guidance. By speaking out and prioritizing member education, credit unions can continue to differentiate themselves by helping members to navigate an increasingly digital and sometimes risky financial landscape with confidence and peace of mind.
As travel season ramps up, the message is clear: fraud prevention isn’t just about technology. It’s about education and showing up for members when it matters most.