Stay Safe from Holiday Scams: Tips to Protect Your Finances

The holiday season is a time for celebration and generosity—but it’s also a prime time for scammers. Fraudsters take advantage of the busy season to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. Staying alert can help protect your finances and peace of mind.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch For:

• Check Theft: Criminals steal checks from mailboxes and alter them. Protect yourself by mailing checks inside the Post Office, using indelible ink, and monitoring your accounts online.
• Impersonation Scams: Scammers pose as family members, government agencies, or banks with urgent requests for money or personal information. Remember: legitimate organizations never demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Online Shopping Scams: Beware of deals that seem too good to be true, sellers who only accept risky payment methods, and websites with poor grammar or missing contact details.

How to Stay Protected

• Never share personal or financial information with anyone you don’t know and trust.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.
• Use secure payment methods and shop with reputable retailers.
• If something feels off, hang up or close the browser—then verify directly with the organization.

If You’ve Been Scammed Act quickly:

• Contact your bank immediately.
• Report to local law enforcement.
• File a complaint at www.ic3.gov.