Shop Safely
Follow these tips to safeguard your finances when you shop in person and online.
Use the tools available to help monitor and protect your accounts.
- Set alerts and notifications to stay aware of account activity
- Enable multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security
- Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual or unauthorized transactions
Shop Safely
- Stick to reputable websites and trusted vendors
- Avoid clicking on "too good to be true" deals, especially on social media
- Be aware of your surroundings when paying in-store
- Use caution when and if you choose to share your email or phone number with merchants, you never know who could be listening
- Carefully review the URL when shopping online, spoofed sites often mimic legitimate businesses
Pay Safely
- Pay with a credit card over a debit card when possible
- Use Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Wallet where available: paying via mobile wallet offers a more secure way to pay since card details are not shared with the vendor
- Enable purchase alerts and two factor authentication
- Monitor your accounts carefully
Criminals take advantage of holiday goodwill and create fake charities or crowdfunding campaigns designed to steal you money or information. Follow these tips to give safely:
- Chose a few reputable organizations to give to regularly
- Use sites like Charity Navigator or Charity Watch to check an organization's reputation BEFORE you give
- Avoid donating via crowd funding sites like Go Fund Me, unless you personally know the recipient(s)
Gift Card Scams
Gift card scams can take on a few different forms, from tampering with gift cards in the store to fake activation sites, and requesting payment via gift card. Here's what you need to know.
- Inspect the packaging carefully before you purchase a gift card at the store, or order gift cards from trusted sellers online
- Carefully check the URL on the gift card activation site to ensure it matches what is on the card
- Never send, or donate money via gift card to anyone you don't know personally
Fake Job Ads
During the holidays there is an increase in people looking for a little extra cash. Scammers often post fake jobs to steal your money or information. Protect yourself:
- Don't pay to apply for a job
- If a potential employer sends you a check to deposit to purchase supplies, then asks you to send them the remainder - that is a fake check scam. The check will bounce and you will be on the hook for the losses.
- Check the company reviews online
Romance Scams
Scammers often use emotional manipulation to build trust. Then they request money, gift cards, or personal information. Be cautious when interacting with new online connections, especially those who avoid meeting in person or ask for financial help. Protect yourself:
- Verify their identity with a reverse image search search or check other online sets for multiple profile
- Suggest a video call or meeting in a public place early on - scammers often avoid face-to-face interactions because they don't match their virtual persona
- Never send money, gift cards, crypto currency, or share financial information with anyone you only know through online/phone interactions
- Discuss unusual interactions with a trusted friend or family member for a different perspective
Scammers take advantage of the busy season. Be alert for phishing emails, fake charities, package delivery messages, and fraudulent "secret shopper" holiday job postings. Some red flags of a scam include:
Instead, verify the message by contacting the sender using information from their official website, or another verified source.
- Unexpected messages that urge action (click a link, call a number, verify info)
- Requests for payment via gift card, wire, crypto, or payment apps like Venmo
- Giveaways or contests requiring sensitive information
- Deals or offers that seem too good to be true
Instead, verify the message by contacting the sender using information from their official website, or another verified source.
Reduce Spam Messages
Spam blockers detect and filter suspicious calls and messages before they reach you. By using algorithms and threat databases, they help prevent scams, malware, and data theft. And the good news is, they are built into your device, just follow the steps below to turn them on.
For iPhone (iOS)
Calls: Go to Settings - Apps - Phone - Silence Unknown Callers - Toggle it on
Texts: Go to Settings - Apps - Messages - Filter Unknown Senders - Toggle it on
For Android
Calls: Open the Phone App - Tap the 3 dot menu - settings - Caller ID & Spam - Turn on Filter Spam Calls and See Caller & Spam ID
Messages: Open Messages - Tap 3 dot menu - Settings - Spam Protection - Turn it on
You can also consider installing a third party app like: Hiya, Trucaller, or Nomorobo
Spam blockers detect and filter suspicious calls and messages before they reach you. By using algorithms and threat databases, they help prevent scams, malware, and data theft. And the good news is, they are built into your device, just follow the steps below to turn them on.
For iPhone (iOS)
Calls: Go to Settings - Apps - Phone - Silence Unknown Callers - Toggle it on
Texts: Go to Settings - Apps - Messages - Filter Unknown Senders - Toggle it on
For Android
Calls: Open the Phone App - Tap the 3 dot menu - settings - Caller ID & Spam - Turn on Filter Spam Calls and See Caller & Spam ID
Messages: Open Messages - Tap 3 dot menu - Settings - Spam Protection - Turn it on
You can also consider installing a third party app like: Hiya, Trucaller, or Nomorobo