Summary
The holiday season is the perfect time to protect yourself from online scams. Increased shopping and charitable giving make this a prime time for cybercriminals. These tips may help you stay a little more secure – from things like monitoring your transactions to verifying charitable donations. Taking these steps now can keep your holidays joyful and fraud-free.
Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is a time for giving – and unfortunately, cybercriminals know it too. With increased shopping and charitable donations, it’s important to stay alert and protect yourself from fraud.
Here are a few tips to keep your holidays secure:
- Monitor Your Transactions: Holiday shopping means more card activity. Regularly check your credit and debit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
- Watch Out for Suspicious Links: Perpetrators often send fake emails pretending to be UPS, FedEx or USPS with messages like “Missed delivery – click here.” Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails and verify shipping details directly with the carrier.
- Verify Charitable Donations: Criminals prey on generosity. Before donating through GoFundMe or other platforms, confirm the legitimacy. Always double-check links before making purchases or donations.
The holidays should be joyful – don’t let scammers spoil the season. Stay vigilant, and when in doubt, verify before you click or give.
Important Reminder:
We will never ask for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, account number, PIN, username or password via email. If you receive a suspicious message or believe you may be a victim of fraud, please contact a Relationship Banker at bank@firstib.com or 1-888-873-3424. Stay informed and alert. Together, we can navigate the digital world this holiday season safely.
