Stay Scam-Free This Holiday Season

The holidays are here! Between holiday shopping, travel plans, and gift card purchases, everyone is busier. Unfortunately, it is also prime time for fraudsters who use this as the perfect opportunity to take advantage of that “holiday rush”.

But here is the good news. With just a little awareness and a few smart habits you can outsmart them. Here are common scams to watch out for this year:

Fake Delivery or Shipping Notices

You get a text saying, “Your package can’t be delivered, click here to reschedule”. Do not click on the link. These links often lead to malware or fake payment portals. Always go straight to the delivery company’s website or app to check on your delivery status.

Too Good To Be True Online Deals

Fraudsters will create sophisticated attention-grabbing websites or social media ads for trendy gifts at “75% off”. You pay, but the item never arrives, and your card information gets stolen. Always check reviews and website details before entering payment information.

Charity or “Holiday Giving” Scams

It is the season of giving and fraudsters take advantage of that. They will copy real charity names or create new ones that sound convincing. Before donating, search the charity directly by going to their verified website.

Gift Card Scams

If someone asks you to buy gift cards and send them the numbers – it’s a scam. When buying gift cards for yourself or others, choose ones from behind the counter or digital versions from trusted websites.

“Suspicious Activity” Messages

You may get a phishing email or text that says your account is locked or your payment failed. They will push you to verify your information immediately. Instead, contact us directly or the company through their official number or website. Never contact through a link in a message or email. 

Person to Person Payment Requests

Apps like Zelle, CashApp, and Venmo are convenient and fraudsters know it. If you get a “refund” or “payment” request from someone you do not know, sometimes it can even be a fake contact impersonating a friend or family member, do not send any money. These apps are like cash and once the money is sent it is virtually impossible to get the funds back.

Smart Moves to Protect Yourself:

• Pause before you click: Fraudsters rely on urgency. take a breath and double-check before you act.
• Shop on secure sites: Look for "https://" and the padlock symbol in the browser.
• Use strong passwords and turn on multifactor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an additional layer of protection to your accounts.
• Monitor your accounts often: Set up real-time alerts in online banking so you will know immediately when something looks off.
• Verify charities and sellers: Do a quick Google search before buying or donating.
• Report anything suspicious as soon as possible: Contact us right away if something does not feel right, even if you are unsure.

The holidays are meant for joy, not stressing over scams. By staying alert, you are not just protecting your money, you are also protecting your peace of mind.

If you ever get a message, call or email that feels slightly off, pause and verify. Call us directly – we are here to help!