How to Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams

The holiday season brings more online activity and more opportunities for fraud. Learn how to spot fake websites and protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi with these important safety tips.

Be Wary of Online Shopping Deals

Online shoppers should be especially attentive during the holiday season, when the number of fake websites tends to rise. Events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday give scammers more opportunities to target consumers. These fraudulent sites often advertise deep discounts on popular items to lure buyers. Always approach online deals with caution; if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Unusual Payment Methods

Unusual payment requests such as gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps are common warning signs. Legit websites provide secure checkout processes, clear terms, and contact information.

The Dangers of Within Public Wi-Fi

One of the main threats to users when connecting to public wi-fi connections is the lack of encryption for sensitive data. You should avoid accessing identifiable information such as emails, phone numbers, social security numbers, banking information, business data, and or addresses.

These unsecured networks allow hackers to insert themselves between the user and the network. This is called a man-in-the-middle attack (MITM). The hack can intercept your data when the device relays information through the public network.

Fake Order Confirmations

Fraudulent order confirmation emails are a common type of phishing scam designed to steal your personal information. During the holiday season, the volume of these emails often increases, so it’s important to recognize the warning signs.

Never click on links or provide information to email addresses you don’t recognize. If you receive a suspicious order confirmation, verify it through a trusted source, such as the retailer’s official website or their customer service phone line. Staying cautious can help protect your personal and financial information from being compromised.

Update Your Online Passwords

Regularly reviewing and updating your online passwords is a simple yet effective way to protect your accounts. A strong password should be 8 to 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, for example: ypDek@7Cowt2.

If you need help creating complex passwords, consider using a trusted password generator. For added security, enable two-step authentication (also called two-factor authentication or 2FA) on your mobile and web accounts. This feature requires additional verification, such as a code sent to your phone, before granting access, making it much harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.

Your security matters to Frandsen Bank & Trust. If you think your personal banking information may have been exposed, stop by or call your local branch. We’re here to help you resolve any concerns quickly and safely.