Protect Your Wallet This Holiday Season

Common Scams to Watch For 

The holiday season brings plenty of reasons to celebrate, from finding the perfect gifts to supporting causes you care about. Unfortunately, it also brings an increase in fraud. As online shopping, package deliveries and charitable giving ramp up, scammers look for opportunities to take advantage of busy consumers. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your personal information and hard-earned money this season.

Beware of Online Shopping Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

Holiday shoppers are often targeted by fake websites, counterfeit online stores and fraudulent social media advertisements. These scams may advertise popular items at deeply discounted prices, only for the merchandise to never arrive or be significantly different from what was promised. Before making a purchase, research unfamiliar retailers, read customer reviews and verify that the website uses a secure connection. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Watch Out for Package Delivery Scams

With millions of packages shipped during the holidays, scammers frequently send text messages or emails claiming there's a problem with a delivery. You may be told you need to pay an additional fee, update shipping information or click a link to track a package. These messages are often designed to steal personal information or install malware on your device. Instead of clicking links in unexpected messages, go directly to the retailer's or shipping company's website to verify delivery details.

Gift Cards are for Giving, Not Paying

Gift cards remain one of the most common forms of payment requested by scammers. Fraudsters may impersonate employers, family members, charities or government agencies to create a sense of urgency, asking you to purchase gift cards and share the card numbers. Remember, legitimate organizations will never demand payment through gift cards. If you receive an unusual request, verify it through a trusted phone number before taking any action.

Give Smart During the Season of Giving

The holidays inspire generosity and scammers often exploit that goodwill through fake charities or organizations that closely resemble legitimate nonprofits. Before donating, take time to research the charity and confirm you're giving through an official website or trusted source. Be especially cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, emails or social media requests that pressure you to donate immediately.

Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers

The best defense against holiday fraud is slowing down before you click, pay or share personal information. Review your account activity regularly and enable account alerts whenever possible so you can spot suspicious transactions quickly. Scammers often rely on urgency and emotion to get people to act without thinking. Taking a moment to verify a request, especially during the busy holiday season, can make all the difference in protecting your finances. If a text, email, phone call or online offer feels suspicious, trust your instincts and verify it through a trusted source.

At Ascentra, protecting our members is a top priority. If you notice unusual account activity or believe you've been targeted by a scam, contact us right away. The sooner fraud is reported, the faster steps can be taken to help protect your accounts and financial well-being. Together, we can help make this holiday season merry, bright and scam-free.