Stay Safe While Holiday Shopping
Jen Ebel | Retail Specialist | Creighton Branch
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and shopping! However, as consumers gear up to find the perfect gifts, cybercriminals, and scammers are also preparing their schemes to take advantage of the season’s hustle and bustle. At Midwest Bank, we care about your financial security. Here’s what you need to know to shop smart and stay protected this holiday season.
Top Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
1. Phishing Emails and Texts
Scammers often disguise themselves as popular retailers, promising deals that seem too good to be true. These emails or messages usually include links that, when clicked, can steal your personal information, or install malware on your device.
How to protect yourself:
- Verify the sender’s email address—it’s often a giveaway when it looks suspicious.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s official website.
2. Fake Online Stores
Some websites are designed to imitate legitimate online retailers, offering significant discounts on popular items. Unfortunately, after making a purchase, you might never receive your order—or even worse, your credit card information could be compromised.
How to protect yourself:
- Research the retailer. Check for reviews and contact information.
- Look for “https” in the website URL, indicating it’s a secure site.
3. Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are popular and convenient gifts, but scammers exploit them in several ways. They may ask you to pay bills, settle disputes with gift cards, or tamper with cards on racks to steal their funds once activated.
How to protect yourself:
- Never use gift cards to pay for services or debts.
- Purchase gift cards directly from the retailer’s website or store.
4. Social Media and Fake Ads
Social media platforms are flooded with holiday ads, some of which are scams. Fake ads might direct you to phishing sites or offer counterfeit products.
How to protect yourself:
- Be cautious of ads offering deals that are significantly below market prices.
- Use trusted retailers and verify any unfamiliar brands before making a purchase.
5. Charity Scams
The season of giving also sees a rise in fake charities. Scammers prey on your goodwill, asking for donations for fraudulent causes.
How to protect yourself:
- Research the charity on sites like Charity Navigator.
- Be wary of high-pressure tactics or vague claims about how your money will be used.
“Please be cautious and vigilant when using online shopping platforms.”
What to Do If You’re a Victim
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Report It: Notify your bank immediately to secure your accounts.
- Dispute Unauthorized Charges: Contact your credit card company or financial institution to begin the dispute process.
- File a Report: Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local law enforcement agency.
If you have questions or concerns about fraud or need assistance with your accounts, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can enjoy a joyous and scam-free holiday season with vigilance and smart shopping habits.
Happy holidays!