Don’t Let Scammers Ruin Your Holiday Cheer
For most of us, the holidays are a time for giving, but for scammers it’s the season for taking. Be aware of the many scams currently out there, particularly during the holidays. Here are a few common scams with tips to avoid:
Fake social media ads
Cybercriminals create fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers or use the names of well-known brands. When you search for the best online deals, you may find yourself at one of these fake sites. Tips:
- Shop with trusted retailers – buy from online stores you already know and trust.
- Be suspicious of deep discounts – if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Check for contact details - avoid websites with no contact information, broken contact forms, or personal email addresses.
Scammers on legitimate shopping websites
Some online stores offer products sold by individuals or small businesses, and scammers can hide among them. Tips:
- Check each seller's reputation before placing the order by reading their reviews.
- Be wary of sellers who are new to the online store, lack reviews or who sell items at unusually low prices.
Gift card scams
Scammers can steal gift cards from racks, scratch off the activation code and then return the card to the store. Once you purchase it and load money onto it, the criminals drain the funds.
- If purchasing gift cards in store, inspect to ensure they have not been tampered with and choose a card from the back of the rack.
- If possible, purchase gift cards directly online from a retailer or a reputable site.
Package delivery scams
Scammers send phishing emails and texts disguised as UPS, FedEx or U.S. Postal Service notifications about incoming or missed deliveries with links to phony sign-in pages asking for personal information.
- Do not click links in unsolicited messages -- verify tracking information by going directly to the carrier's website.
- Check your orders: If a message is about an order you actually placed, check the shipping and delivery status directly on the retailer's website.
- Consider secure delivery options such as a ‘locker’ option, picking up if retailer is nearby or having packages delivered to your workplace or a trusted neighbor.
Institution for Savings is here to support our customers and help you protect your funds and personal information. As always, please contact us with any questions or concerns.