With the holiday season comes an increase in online shopping—and unfortunately, scams and fraudulent activity. Farmers State Bank is here to help you stay informed and protect your financial information.
Scams to Watch For
- Charity Scams
The season of giving can attract fraudsters posing as charities. Always verify the legitimacy of causes and websites before donating. Avoid sending money through money transfer services, as trustworthy charities don’t use these methods. - Delivery Scams
Be cautious with emails or texts claiming to contain shipping information. Look for signs of phishing, like misspelled words, generic language, or unusual email addresses. If you aren’t expecting a package, don’t click on links. - Travel Scams
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true when booking end-of-year vacations. Stick to reputable travel websites and confirm offers before sharing personal information.
Online Shopping Safety Tips
E-Skimming: Fraudsters may place skimming codes on payment pages to steal credit card information.
- Only enter payment information once.
- Use third-party payment systems like PayPal or mobile wallets like Apple Pay, which provide added security.
Email Scams: Be skeptical of “too-good-to-be-true” offers.
- Avoid clicking on links in emails, texts, or banner ads.
- Always type web addresses directly into your browser and shop on secure, reputable sites.
- Never make purchases or access financial information on public Wi-Fi.
Porch Pirates: Protect your deliveries.
- Ship packages to a secure location, like your workplace or a pickup locker.
- Use tracking services to know when your package arrives.
Tips for Supporting Local Vendors
Shopping small is a great way to support your community, but be cautious:
- Pay with a credit card to take advantage of purchase protection.
- Check sellers’ reputations by reading reviews or verifying their location.
- Arrange safe pick-ups in public spaces, such as police station parking lots, and bring a friend if possible.
Protect Yourself Year-Round
Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts, and update them regularly. This small step can significantly enhance your online security.
Farmers State Bank is here to help keep your holiday season merry and secure. For more tips on protecting your financial information, contact us at 641-439-2221. Let’s stay safe together this holiday season!
