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Stay Safe This Holiday Season: 2024 Scam Prevention Tips from PVB

Posted on December 1, 2024 by - News

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The holiday season brings joy, connection, and giving, but it also opens the door to an unfortunate reality: scammers often target shoppers, travelers, and even charitable donors. At Powell Valley National Bank, we prioritize your financial security and want to equip you with the tools you need to stay protected. Here are key tips to help you avoid scams in 2024, so you can enjoy a safe, scam-free holiday season.

1. Watch Out for Phishing Emails and Texts

Scam Trend Alert: Scammers often impersonate legitimate companies to trick you into sharing sensitive information. This year, look out for email and SMS phishing attempts claiming to be from popular retailers, delivery companies, and even charitable organizations.

Stay Safe Tips:

  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails or texts.
  • Double-check email addresses for minor spelling errors (e.g., “Amaz0n.com”).
  • Contact the company directly using a verified phone number if you’re uncertain.

Read More:
Can You Spot A Phishing Scam?

2. Be Cautious with Unfamiliar Online Shopping Sites

Scam Trend Alert: With the rise of online shopping, fraudulent websites continue to grow. Scammers create sites that look similar to well-known brands, offering high-demand products at unbelievable prices.

Stay Safe Tips:

  • Verify the URL—look for “https” and a padlock icon.
  • Research the site: look up reviews and ensure they have a reliable contact page.
  • Stick to familiar, reputable online retailers.

3. Beware of Gift Card Scams

Scam Trend Alert: Scammers may ask for payment in the form of gift cards, which are challenging to trace. They may pretend to be from government agencies, law enforcement, or even tech support, demanding immediate payment.

Stay Safe Tips:

  • Legitimate organizations do not request payment via gift cards.
  • Report suspicious requests immediately to the authorities.
  • Only purchase gift cards directly from trusted stores.

4. Exercise Caution on Social Media

Scam Trend Alert: Social media can be a hotbed for scams, especially during the holidays. Fake advertisements, giveaways, and crowdfunding links are common traps.

Stay Safe Tips:

  • Verify any deals or giveaways directly through the company’s official website.
  • Be skeptical of ads or promotions from unknown pages.
  • Only donate to verified charities through secure, official websites.

5. Avoid “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Travel Deals

Scam Trend Alert: With increased travel during the holidays, scammers advertise fake vacation deals or rentals to lure in holiday travelers looking for bargains.

Stay Safe Tips:

  • Confirm the legitimacy of travel deals through reputable travel websites.
  • Use a credit card for added protection on travel expenses.
  • Be wary of third-party sites that ask for immediate payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency.

Read More:
Secure Travel Tips

6. Stay Vigilant with Charitable Donations

Scam Trend Alert: The season of giving inspires many to donate to charitable causes. Unfortunately, fraudsters take advantage of this, creating fake charities or impersonating legitimate ones.

Stay Safe Tips:

  • Verify charities through websites like Charity Navigator or the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search.
  • Avoid making donations via unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls.
  • Don’t feel pressured—take time to research before giving.

Read More:
Donate Wisely: Avoid Charity Scams

7. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Online Accounts

Scam Trend Alert: Hackers can access your accounts by exploiting weak or reused passwords, especially during the busy holiday season when people are making frequent online purchases.

Stay Safe Tips:

  • Use complex, unique passwords for each account.
  • Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
  • Consider using a password manager for secure password storage.

Read More:
5 Tips For Creating Secure Passwords

8. Regularly Monitor Your Bank Accounts and Credit Report

Scam Trend Alert: Scammers may test small, unauthorized charges on your account to see if you notice, potentially leading to larger fraudulent purchases.

Stay Safe Tips:

  • Set up alerts for any activity on your bank and credit card accounts.
  • Regularly review your statements to catch any unfamiliar charges.
  • Check your credit report periodically through trusted services to ensure there are no unauthorized accounts in your name.

9. Stay Informed and Educated

Scam Trend Alert: Fraudsters constantly update their tactics to catch people off guard. Staying educated about new scams is your first line of defense.

Stay Safe Tips:

Final Thoughts

The holiday season should be a time of celebration, not stress. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. At Powell Valley National Bank, your financial safety is our top priority, and we’re here to support you with secure banking solutions and guidance.

Happy holidays, and stay safe!