The holidays are filled with gift lists, great deals, and, unfortunately, plenty of scams trying to sneak into your shopping cart. A little caution goes a long way when you are shopping online. Here are a few common scams to watch for and simple ways to stay safe.
1. Fake Gift Card Deals
Watch out for scammers creating convincing websites that offer discounted gift cards. You might pay for a card, but never actually get anything in return.
Shop Safe: Buy gift cards only from retailers you know and trust.
2. Too-Good-To-Be-True Specials
During the holidays, your inbox will be flooded with emails and ads, making it easy for scammers to slip in fake promotions that lead to bogus websites.
Shop Safe: Be careful with links in emails or messages. Instead, head directly to the retailer's official site to find the best deals.
3. Order Confirmation & Delivery Scams
Be wary of fake alerts about order issues or suspicious charges that can tempt you to click on links.
Shop Safe: Pause. Take a moment to log in through the retailer's website to check your order and payment history.
4. Public Wi-Fi Snooping
Using free Wi-Fi can be super convenient, but it also puts your personal and financial information at risk.
Shop Safe: It's best to avoid making purchases when connected to public Wi-Fi. Instead, use your mobile data or consider a VPN. Even better, head to your local shops and support your community!
5. Fake Online Stores
Scammers create very convincing fake websites with incredibly low prices on popular gifts.
Shop Safe: Keep an eye out for warning signs like strange URLs, spelling mistakes, low-quality images, unclear return policies, and deals that seem too good to be true.
Shop Safe
During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, slow down and treat unexpected messages with skepticism. Call companies directly if you have any concerns about your account or a notification. And if anything feels off at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to your bank for guidance.
At Security Bank, we’re here to help you figure out if something seems phishy. Your financial safety is our priority, so before you click any links or make payments, make sure the message or retailer is legit.
If you suspect fraud, contact your bank right away so they can help protect your accounts.
Happy shopping, and stay safe this holiday season!