Getting a head start on your holiday shopping? You’re far from the only one planning to stock up on gifts for loved ones or waiting for the best deals of the year.
Unfortunately, scammers are aware of this, and they take advantage of people who are shopping for the holidays and searching for sales.
Online safety is more important than ever, especially as e-commerce continues to rise in popularity. We’re here to help you shop safely this holiday season, so that you can protect yourself, and those around you who may be vulnerable to online scams.
Here are a few things to watch out for in the coming weeks:
This time of year, your inbox is probably flooded with promotions for holiday sales. Watch out – not all those emails offer what they claim to.
Maybe you’ve had your eye on an item for a while, and suddenly, you see it online for a price you can hardly believe. Before you get your hopes up, take a closer look at the ad. Could the unusually low price be the sign of a scam?
Try to verify the legitimacy of the website or seller by searching their name online. See if you can find another source to add credibility. If they’re selling the item through social media, check out the seller’s profile. Does anything about it look suspicious?
The ad itself may be fake, or the merchandise could be counterfeit, meaning it’s worth far less than it’s being sold for.
Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Whether you’re expecting a package or not, another common scam this time of year are fake delivery scams.
You may receive a text or email indicating that a package has been delivered, with a link attached. The “delivery driver” will claim you need to pay a small fee to resolve an issue with your delivery, or they’ll ask you to confirm payment details before your package is delivered.
These tricks are all designed to create a sense of urgency and rush you into clicking the link.
The site it takes you to may look just like the company’s website that you’re actually expecting a delivery from – but don’t be fooled! The scammer is trying to steal your information through that link, including your name, address, and credit card.
To avoid these scams, don’t engage with text or emails about packages you weren’t expecting. When you need to check the status of your delivery, visit the website directly and use the tracking number you were provided.
Looking to beat the lineups at malls and local stores? Then you’re probably planning to buy gifts online! With that in mind, we’ve put together a few tips to help you shop safely:
Using AI, scammers can make incredibly convincing images and videos. You might be surprised when what you thought was real…turns out to be far from it.
With this sophisticated technology, scammers can pose as family, friends, or celebrities to gain your trust. They may use voice-cloning technology to impersonate someone you know on a phone call.
Even caller ID can be spoofed! The person may sound, look, and even act like your loved one, but if you aren’t sure, it’s best to double-check – especially if the person claims to be in danger or asks you to send money.
End the conversation and contact the person directly through another verified channel. For example, call their phone number or visit them in-person if possible.
Ensure you’re staying safe this holiday season by:
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to help you keep your accounts safe.
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