It’s that wonderful time of year again, but with it comes a reminder to stay safe while shopping for the holidays! Here are some practical tips for avoiding holiday scams to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season:
1. Be Cautious with Online Deals
Scammers often create fake websites or ads offering incredible discounts. Before making a purchase:
- Verify the website’s legitimacy by checking for “https://” in the URL and reading reviews.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media ads. Instead, visit the retailer’s website directly.
2. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Check your bank and credit card statements frequently for unauthorized transactions. Use MMCCU’s online banking tools to review activity and set up alerts for suspicious charges.
3. Don’t Fall for Phishing Attempts
Fraudulent emails and texts may appear to be from trusted retailers, banks, or charities. These messages often urge you to act quickly by clicking a link or providing personal information.
- Never share sensitive information via email or text.
- Contact the organization directly if you’re unsure about a communication.
4. Watch Out for Gift Card Scams
Scammers might ask for payment in gift cards, claiming it’s a legitimate way to settle a debt or unlock a deal. Legitimate companies and agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards.
5. Be Skeptical of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
Deals that sound too good to be true probably are. Be cautious with offers for free items, especially if they require shipping fees paid through unconventional methods like wire transfers or apps.
6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Online Shopping
Shopping on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can expose your personal and financial information. Use a secure connection or a virtual private network (VPN) when shopping online.
7. Research Charities Before Donating
During the holidays, charitable giving increases—but so do charity scams. Verify the legitimacy of any organization using tools like Charity Navigator or the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search.
8. Use Secure Payment Methods
- Opt for credit cards over debit cards for online purchases. Credit cards often provide better fraud protection.
- Avoid direct money transfers unless you know the recipient personally.
9. Protect Your Personal Information
Scammers might impersonate legitimate companies asking for personal details. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts requesting Social Security numbers, passwords, or banking information.
10. Stay Educated on Common Scams
Be aware of prevalent holiday scams, including fake delivery notifications, fake online marketplaces, and holiday job scams. Staying informed helps you recognize red flags. Check out MMCCU’s scam awareness page for more tips!
By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your finances from holiday scams. For additional peace of mind, consider checking your credit score regularly through MMCCU’s online banking to monitor for any unauthorized activity. Stay safe and enjoy a scam-free holiday season!
