Five Points Bank Blog

How to Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and generosity. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime opportunity for scammers to target unsuspecting individuals. With online shopping, charity giving, and holiday deals at their peak, staying vigilant is key to protecting yourself and your finances. Here are some essential tips to safeguard your holiday season from scams.

1. Watch for Phishing Emails

Scammers often send emails that mimic popular retailers, shipping companies, or charitable organizations. These messages may contain links to fake websites or attachments that install malware on your device.

What to do:

• Verify the sender’s email address. Legitimate companies use professional domains (e.g., info@retailer.com, not info123@gmail.com).
• Avoid clicking on links. Instead, type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser.
• Look for spelling and grammar errors, which are common red flags.

2. Be Cautious of Unbelievable Deals

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers lure victims with fake websites offering massive discounts on popular items, only to steal your money or personal information.

What to do:

• Shop only on trusted websites. Look for "https://" and a padlock symbol in the address bar.
• Use well-known retailers or check reviews of unfamiliar ones.
• Pay with a credit card when possible, as it often provides better fraud protection than debit cards.

3. Verify Charitable Organizations

The season of giving is a time when fake charities pop up, preying on your goodwill. Scammers may call, email, or solicit donations through social media.

What to do:

• Research charities on websites like Charity Navigator.
• Avoid giving personal or financial information over the phone.
• Donate directly through the charity's official website.

4. Stay Alert on Social Media

Social media platforms can be a breeding ground for scams, including fake giveaways, fraudulent holiday promotions, and malicious links.

What to do:

• Be skeptical of offers requiring you to share personal information.
• Avoid clicking on unknown links in posts, messages, or ads.
• Double-check the legitimacy of accounts and profiles promoting deals or giveaways.

5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

The best way to catch fraudulent activity quickly is by keeping a close eye on your bank accounts and credit card statements.

What to do:

• Use online and mobile banking tools to check transactions frequently.
• Set up account alerts for unusual activity.
• Report suspicious transactions to your bank immediately.

6. Be Wary of Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams are on the rise, with scammers requesting payment via gift cards or pretending to sell them at discounted rates.

What to do:

• Never use gift cards to pay someone claiming you owe money.
• Buy gift cards only from reputable stores, not second-hand sources.
• Check the packaging to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.

Five Points Bank: Your Trusted Partner

At Five Points Bank, your financial security is our priority. We’re here to help you navigate the holiday season safely with tools like fraud detection services, account monitoring, and expert advice.

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, contact us immediately. Together, we can make this holiday season memorable for all the right reasons.