Deck the Halls with Fraud Protection 

Your Guide to a Scam-Free Holiday Season

'Tis the season to be jolly and vigilant! As the holidays approach, it's important to embrace the festive spirit – and arm ourselves against seasonal fraud. From cunning cyber Grinches to sneaky Scrooges, fraudsters try their best to steal our joy during this special time of year. But with the right knowledge and precautions, you can navigate the holidays with confidence and make it a scam-free season.  

Unwrap Phishing Emails

Phishing emails dressed in merry disguises can be particularly convincing during the holiday season. Learn to spot and avoid these attempts to steal your personal information. Stay on guard against emails requesting financial details, promising unrealistic offers, or disguised as warm Christmas greetings. Remember, Santa doesn't ask for your credit card number. 

Securing Online Shopping
Take precautions to protect your financial information during online shopping. Some practical tips for secure online transactions include shopping only from reputable websites, looking for the padlock symbol in the browser bar, and using secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted payment platforms. By taking these steps, you can shop with peace of mind. 

Santa's Cybersecurity Checklist

Just as Santa checks his list twice, it's important for us to review our own cybersecurity practices during the holiday season. Refresh your knowledge of strong passwords and consider using a password manager to keep them safe. Update your devices and software to ensure you have the latest security patches. And stay cautious of public Wi-Fi networks while shopping or banking online.  

Share Wisely on Social Media
While sharing holiday photos and events on social media is enjoyable, it's important to be mindful of what you post. Avoid sharing specific vacation plans, gifts you purchased that are stored in your home, or other personal information that could be used by fraudsters. Keep an eye out for common "share a photo" or "answer this question" posts that can reveal actually personal details. By sharing wisely, you can protect your privacy and enjoy the benefits of social media without falling victim to common scams. 

Wrapping Up

No matter the season, it’s always crucial to stay vigilant against scammers who try to steal our finances, identity … and cheer. So, deck the halls with fraud protection and navigate your holidays with confidence. 

More tips: 

- If you receive a suspicious call or text, please call us at 888.336.2700 to confirm the message is truly from us. 

- Visit our Security and Fraud Protection page for more support.