The holidays are almost here, and excitement is in the air! But while you're busy shopping and spreading holiday cheer, fraudsters are looking for ways to take advantage of your distraction.
The good news? A little awareness and caution can help you protect yourself—and your hard-earned money—from sneaky scammers.
Follow these tips to help keep your holidays happy, safe and fraud-free:
#1: Spot the Signs of a Fake Online StoreIs your social media feed filled with ads from unfamiliar brands offering irresistible holiday deals? Be careful—these ads may lead to fake online stores designed to vanish once scammers steal your payment or personal information. You may receive a counterfeit item—or nothing at allTo stay safe, stick with the retailers you know and trust. Look for signs that a website is secure, including “https" and a lock symbol in the address bar. Be sure to use a secure payment method, such as a credit card in your mobile wallet, rather than your debit card number or a gift card.#2: Avoid Package Delivery Text ScamsPackage deliveries increase around the holidays, and unfortunately, so do package scams. For example, scammers posing as shipping companies will send texts claiming your package cannot be delivered, urging you to click a link to confirm your address or update your delivery preferences. Don't fall for it!These links are usually attempts to steal your information. If you are expecting a package, use the tracking number provided by the retailer or shipping carrier to check your delivery status.#3: Watch Out for Phony CharitiesThe holidays inspire generosity, and fraudsters know it. Before donating to any charity, make sure it's legitimate first. In addition to visiting the organization's website, look it up on Charity Navigator or GuideStar. A quick search will help you ensure your gift reaches the right hands.#4: Beware of Bogus Deals and DiscountsFinding an unbelievable sale on a hard-to-find designer item or a bargain-priced airline ticket may feel like holiday magic, but be wary. All too often, these deals are too good to be true. If something feels fishy, trust your gut and do your research—it might be fraud!#5: Think Before You ClickScammers are known to impersonate well-known brands, offering special giveaways or freebies in exchange for your valuable personal information. Before clicking on an offer in an email, text or social media message, take a moment to pause and think it through.Does the message have spelling or grammatical errors or unusual URLs? When in doubt, go directly to the brand's website.
Is your social media feed filled with ads from unfamiliar brands offering irresistible holiday deals? Be careful—these ads may lead to fake online stores designed to vanish once scammers steal your payment or personal information. You may receive a counterfeit item—or nothing at all
To stay safe, stick with the retailers you know and trust. Look for signs that a website is secure, including “https" and a lock symbol in the address bar. Be sure to use a secure payment method, such as a credit card in your mobile wallet, rather than your debit card number or a gift card.
Package deliveries increase around the holidays, and unfortunately, so do package scams. For example, scammers posing as shipping companies will send texts claiming your package cannot be delivered, urging you to click a link to confirm your address or update your delivery preferences. Don't fall for it!
These links are usually attempts to steal your information. If you are expecting a package, use the tracking number provided by the retailer or shipping carrier to check your delivery status.
The holidays inspire generosity, and fraudsters know it. Before donating to any charity, make sure it's legitimate first. In addition to visiting the organization's website, look it up on Charity Navigator or GuideStar. A quick search will help you ensure your gift reaches the right hands.
Finding an unbelievable sale on a hard-to-find designer item or a bargain-priced airline ticket may feel like holiday magic, but be wary. All too often, these deals are too good to be true. If something feels fishy, trust your gut and do your research—it might be fraud!
Scammers are known to impersonate well-known brands, offering special giveaways or freebies in exchange for your valuable personal information. Before clicking on an offer in an email, text or social media message, take a moment to pause and think it through.
Does the message have spelling or grammatical errors or unusual URLs? When in doubt, go directly to the brand's website.
Don't let scammers ruin your celebrations. Stay alert and keep these tips in mind so you can focus on the joy of the season!
As always, Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®) is here to help you protect your personal financial information and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
Looking for more fraud prevention tips, tools and resources? Visit our Fraud Prevention page. Happy Holidays!