6 Ways to Avoid Holiday Scams This Season

The holiday season is a time for giving, celebrating, and connecting. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers. With shopping, charitable donations, and online activity, fraudsters take advantage of the festive rush to trick unsuspecting consumers. Protect yourself and your finances by following these six tips:

 

1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Emails and Texts

Scammers often send fake shipping notifications, gift offers, or charity requests. If you receive an unexpected message, don’t click on links or download attachments. Instead, verify the sender by visiting the official website or contacting the company directly. Remember, Greenfield Savings Bank will never ask for passwords or account information over the phone!

 

2. Shop Only on Secure Websites

Before entering payment information, check that the website address begins with “https://” and look for a padlock icon in the browser bar. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, because they often are. Only shop on reputable websites.

 

3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

With so many accounts and purchases during the holidays, it’s tempting to reuse passwords. Don’t. Create strong, unique passwords for each account and enable multi-factor authentication for added security.

 

4. Monitor Your Accounts Frequently

Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions. If something looks suspicious, call our customer service center immediately at 888-324-3191.

 

5. Be Cautious with Charitable Donations

The holidays inspire generosity, but scammers exploit this by creating fake charities. Before donating, research the organization through trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau. Never give personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call.

 

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but not secure. If you need to shop or bank online, use a secure, private connection or a VPN to protect your data.

 

Stay Vigilant and Enjoy the Season

By staying alert and following these tips, you can keep your holidays joyful and scam-free. If you suspect fraud or notice unusual activity on your account, contact GSB immediately. We’re here to help keep your finances safe.

Visit our e-Fraud Learning Center