Avoid Holiday Fraud and Scams: Tips for a Safe Shopping Season
The holidays are a time for giving, celebrating, and enjoying special moments with loved ones. But unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers try to take advantage of our generosity and busy schedules.
This season, FMB will be keeping a close watch for common end-of-year scams to help our community stay safe, so you can focus on what truly matters: creating joyful memories with those you love.
Phishing Emails and Texts
Phishing scams increase around the holidays, with scammers pretending to be trusted companies or even friends to trick you into sharing personal information. Fake order confirmations, urgent “special deals,” or requests to verify account information are common.
Be wary of unsolicited emails and texts and avoid clicking on unknown links. Phishing emails often come from domains that look suspicious. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website instead of clicking links in emails.
Fake Charity Scams
During the holidays, many people feel inspired to give back, and scammers know it. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or social media messages asking for donations.
Also, make sure you verify charities before donating using sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. Legitimate charities won’t pressure you to donate via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
Online Shopping Scams
Great deals can be tempting, but if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for fake websites, social media ads, and online sellers offering hard-to-find gifts at unbelievable prices.
Always shop with trusted retailers, verify website URLs before entering payment information, and use secure payment methods (like credit cards rather than debit cards) when shopping online.
Package Delivery and Gift Card Scams
Phishing texts or emails claiming to be from delivery companies are another common trick. These messages often include fake tracking links or ask for your personal information.
Avoid clicking links from unknown senders. Go straight to the delivery company’s website instead. And remember: legitimate businesses will never ask for payment in gift cards.
A couple of last, quick tips to keep your holidays merry, bright, and safe? Keep your devices and passwords secure, monitor your accounts regularly, and enable alerts for suspicious activity. And if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
FMB’s Fraud Squad is always here to help keep you informed and protected. If you ever have questions about a message, email, or transaction that doesn’t seem quite right, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help keep the holidays both joyful and secure.