Holiday Scams Are Coming: How to Spot and Stop Them
The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and, unfortunately, a spike in scams and fraud attempts. As you start checking off your gift lists, booking travel, and making charitable donations, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant. At FASNY FCU, we want to help you protect your finances and your peace of mind. This guide will walk you through some of the most common holiday scams and give you the tools to spot them before they can do any harm.
Fraudsters are becoming more and more sophisticated, but there are red flags you can look out for to keep your money safe.
Fake Online Stores and Phishing Emails: Be wary of "too-good-to-be-true" deals found in online ads or unsolicited emails. Scammers often create fake websites that look legitimate but are designed to steal your credit card information. Always check the URL for misspellings or extra words, and look for "https" at the beginning of the web address. Phishing emails often mimic well-known retailers or shipping companies, asking you to click a link to "confirm an order" or "track a package." Instead of clicking, go directly to the official website and log in to check your order status.
Charity Fraud and Gift Card Scams: The spirit of giving is strong during the holidays, and scammers take full advantage. They may create fake charity websites or solicit donations by phone or email. To avoid charity fraud, research the organization through a reliable source like Charity Navigator or GuideStar and donate directly through their official website. Additionally, a major red flag is when someone asks for payment in the form of gift cards. No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask you to pay a debt, fine, or bill with a gift card.
Using Secure Payment Methods: When you're shopping online, a key way to protect yourself is by using a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards generally offer better fraud protection and make it easier to dispute unauthorized charges. You should also enable two-factor authentication on your banking and shopping accounts for an extra layer of security. Always monitor your account statements and enable transaction alerts so you can spot any suspicious activity right away.
The holidays should be about making memories, not dealing with the stress of fraud. By staying informed and following these simple tips, you can protect your finances and enjoy a safe and happy season. If you ever see a suspicious charge on your account or have concerns about a potential scam, don't hesitate to contact us. FASNY FCU is here to help you every step of the way.