The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings and gift-giving, but it’s also prime time for scammers. Every year, cybercriminals and fraudsters ramp up their efforts, taking advantage of busy shoppers and the festive spirit. Being vigilant and proactive can help protect your finances and personal information. Here are key strategies to stay safe this holiday season.

 

Watch Out for Phishing Emails and Texts

During the holidays, phishing attempts often spike. Scammers may send emails or texts claiming to be from retailers, delivery services or even government agencies. These messages can look legitimate, with official logos and urgent language like “Your order is delayed” or “Verify your account immediately.” The goal is to get you to click a link or provide personal information.

Never click links or download attachments from unknown senders. If an email or text seems suspicious, contact the company directly using verified contact information.

 

Protect Your Online Shopping

Online shopping is convenient, but it comes with risks. Fake websites can look like real retailers and trick you into entering your payment details.

Always check the website URL before making a purchase. Look for “https://” and a padlock symbol in the address bar. Stick to well-known, reputable retailers and avoid deals that seem too good to be true because they usually are.

 

Use Secure Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards often come with fraud protection, but scammers can still exploit vulnerable payment methods.

Use credit cards or trusted digital wallets for online purchases instead of wire transfers, money orders or prepaid cards. These methods provide an extra layer of protection if something goes wrong.

 

Be Careful on Social Media

Holiday scams are increasingly appearing on social media platforms. You might see “special” offers, fake contests, or messages from accounts pretending to be friends. Scammers can even hack accounts to reach your network.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links, and don’t share personal or financial information online. Enable two-factor authentication on your social media accounts to enhance security.

 

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Even if you follow all precautions, it’s important to stay alert. Monitoring your accounts regularly can help you spot unauthorized charges quickly.

Set up alerts for transactions on your credit and debit cards. Review your bank statements often and report any suspicious activity immediately.

 

Trust Your Instincts

Scammers rely on urgency and fear to trick people. If something feels off, it probably is. Take a step back before responding to unsolicited messages or making purchases.

Remember that legitimate companies will never pressure you into immediate action or ask for sensitive information in an insecure way.

The holidays should be about celebrating, not worrying about fraud. By staying cautious, protecting your information and using secure payment methods, you can enjoy a safer and more peaceful holiday season. At Partner Colorado, we’re committed to helping our members stay informed so you can focus on what really matters, making memories with your loved ones. You can sign up for Fraud News & Alerts on our website to stay up to date on the latest cyber security news, tips and breach notifications.