Educational

Stay Scam Savvy this Holiday Season While Shopping Online

November 27, 2023

The joy of the holiday season is often accompanied by an unfortunate increase in scams and fraudulent activities. In collaboration with the Treasury Department’s Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection, here are some crucial tips to help you safeguard yourself:

Buy Smart

Reputable Merchants: Stick to trustworthy vendors to ensure the legitimacy of your purchases.

Stay Informed and Skeptical

Knowledge is Power: Familiarize yourself with common scam tactics and share this awareness with others. Be cautious of unsolicited communications creating a sense of urgency.

Be Cautious Online

Safe Online Behavior:  Exercise caution online, especially regarding personal information on social media. Avoid oversharing details.

Take Your Time

Avoid Hasty Decisions: Scams often pressure victims into quick decisions. Take your time, research, and consult trusted individuals.

Monitor Bank Statements

Regularly Check Statements: Keep a close eye on your financial statements for any unauthorized or suspicious transactions.

Smishing and Vishing

Stay Alert to Text Scams: Be cautious of text messages, known as “smishing,” and phone scams, known as “vishing.” Confirm communications directly with your bank.

Watch Out for Phishing Emails

Avoid Phishing Emails: Do not click on links in unsolicited emails. Check for typos or unusual fonts.

Verify Legitimacy

Confirm Legitimate Requests: Be wary of unexpected calls or emails. Confirm requests by directly contacting the entity through official channels.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Strengthen Security: Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to enhance your account security.

Beware of Suspicious Apps

App Permissions: Be cautious of apps requesting unusual permissions. Avoid those with poor grammar or misspellings.

Do Not Share Personal Information

Protect Personal Information: Never provide personal or account information to unsolicited callers.

Responding to Scams

Immediate Action:  If scammed, call your bank, contact the merchant, alert your credit card company, notify credit bureaus, and consider freezing your credit report.

Be Skeptical

Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant and trust your instincts.

By following these tips, you can better protect yourself and your finances during the holiday season. Stay informed, be skeptical of unsolicited communications, and enjoy a safe and secure festive season.