Summer Reset:

It started with a quick message.

A parent juggling a busy summer day, kids home from school, a shift coming up, a dozen things to manage. A text pops up about a "suspicious charge." It looks right. Feels urgent. They tap the link.

That one moment is all it takes.

Summer brings a change of pace. Schedules shift. Routines loosen. You're logging in from different places, on different devices, often in a hurry.

And that is exactly what scammers count on.

"It's not that people aren't careful," says Steven Matus, Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management at Firefighters First Credit Union. "It's that they're busy. Scams work because they catch people in between everything else going on."

The good news is you do not need a full overhaul to stay protected. A few simple habits can help close the gaps scammers look for.

Think of it like checking your gear before a shift. A quick reset now can prevent bigger problems later.

Where Summer Creates Risk

When your routine changes, small habits change with it.

You might:

• Log in on public WiFi while traveling
• Share devices with family members
• Skip updates because you are on the go
• Move quickly through messages that feel urgent

"Scammers look for distraction," Chantel Perez, Manager of Risk for Firefighters First Credit Union, explains. "They do not need a perfect plan. They just need you to move fast without double-checking."

That is why a quick summer reset matters.

1. Clear Out Old Apps and Accounts

Unused apps and accounts can still hold your information. Some continue collecting data even if you forgot they exist.

It is like gear sitting in the back of a locker. You are not using it, but it can still create risk.

Start here:

• Delete apps you have not used in months
• Review permissions like location, contacts and camera
• Close accounts you no longer need

This step alone can reduce your exposure more than most people realize.

2. Strengthen Your Passwords

A lot of fraud starts with weak or reused passwords.

"If one account gets exposed, scammers try that same password everywhere," Steven says. "It works more often than people think."

Make a quick upgrade:

• Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols
• Avoid reusing passwords across accounts
• Update older or simple passwords

Longer passwords are stronger. Think of a phrase instead of a single word.

3. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of protection. Even if someone gets your password, they cannot get in without confirming it is really you.

"It is one of the simplest ways to shut down an attempt," Chantel says. "Most breaches we see could have been stopped by MFA."

Never share a one-time passcode with anyone. Scammers often pose as trusted companies and ask for these codes to get around your security.

If you have not turned it on yet, this is one of the most important steps you can take.

4. Be Smart About Public WiFi

Summer means more time on the go. Coffee shops, hotels and shared networks are convenient but not always secure.

Checking your bank account on public WiFi can expose your information without you realizing it.

Safer habits:

• Avoid logging into financial accounts on public networks
• Use your mobile network or a personal hotspot when possible
• Log out of accounts when you are done

Think of public WiFi as open air. Fine for browsing, not for sensitive activity.

5. Turn On Account Alerts

Account alerts give you a heads-up the moment something changes.

They are like an early warning system for your money.

Set alerts for:

• Logins
• Transactions
• Transfers
• Password or profile updates

"When people catch fraud early, the outcome is usually much better,"Steven says. "Alerts make that possible."

This is especially helpful during summer when you are not checking accounts as often.

6. Keep Devices Updated

Updates fix security gaps scammers look to exploit.

Skipping them may not seem like a big deal, but it can leave doors open.

Set your phone and apps to update automatically when possible. It is one of the easiest ways to stay protected without thinking about it.

7. Do a Quick Settings Check

This only takes a few minutes but can make a big difference.

Take a quick look at:

• Browser privacy settings
• Saved passwords on shared devices
• Location, camera and microphone permissions
• Screen lock or passcode settings

"It is about limiting access," Chantel says. "Only give apps and devices what they actually need."

Stay Alert When Life Gets Busy

Scammers do not take time off. In fact, they often work harder when life gets busy for everyone else.

Summer is full of movement. Kids at home. Travel. Longer days. More distractions.

That is when habits slip. That is when scams get through.

If something feels off, a message you did not expect, an email that creates urgency or a link that does not look right, pause before acting.

It only takes one moment to open the door.

But it also only takes a few simple habits to keep it closed.

A quick summer reset can help protect your accounts so you can stay focused on what matters most.