Protect Your Wallet and Holiday Cheer

The holidays should be about joy, not worry—but scammers love to take advantage of busy shoppers. With a little know-how, you can shop, celebrate, and safeguard your finances this season.

Spot Online Shopping Scams:

● Verify websites: Before making a purchase, ensure the URL starts with “https://”—the “s” stands for secure!

● Look for reviews: Check for recent customer feedback to confirm you’re shopping with a legitimate retailer.

● Be cautious with payment methods: Avoid paying by wire transfer or gift cards—stick to credit cards, which often provide fraud protection.

Dodge Phishing Attacks:

● Watch out for fake alerts: Scammers often pose as trusted companies to trick you into giving up passwords or credit card info.

● Inspect sender details: A legitimate email from your favorite store won’t come from a suspicious or misspelled domain.

● Think before you click: If a deal seems too good to be true, navigate to the company’s official website directly to confirm it.

Guard Against Identity Theft:

● Secure your devices: Make sure your software and antivirus programs are up to date.

● Use virtual wallets: Services like Apple Pay® or Google Pay® add an extra layer of protection for your purchases.

● Monitor your credit: Monitor your accounts and consider setting up alerts for unusual activity.

Pro Tip: Be cautious on public Wi-Fi. Avoid entering personal information or making purchases on unsecured networks. Instead, use a VPN or wait until you’re on a trusted network.

By staying one step ahead of scammers, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the holiday season.

Wishing you a joyous (and scam-free) holiday season!