Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Cheer

No matter how you celebrate, the holiday season brings joy, excitement, and plenty of shopping and travel. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of the increased activity. From fake shopping websites to package delivery fraud and travel scams, it’s important to stay vigilant to keep your personal information and finances safe. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe and protect yourself from scams during the holiday season.

1. Shop Safely Online

With the convenience of online shopping comes the increased risk of encountering scams. Cybercriminals often create fake websites, pop-up ads, and phishing emails that mimic trusted retailers to steal your payment information. Here’s how to ensure your holiday shopping experience is secure.

• Stick to trusted retailers. Shop only on websites you know and trust. If you’re shopping on a new site, do some research before making a purchase. Check for reviews, look for a contact page, and make sure the site has clear return and shipping policies. Also, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true - they often are.
• Check for secure sites. Always verify the website uses “https://” and has a padlock icon in the URL. This indicates that the site is secure and encrypts your information. If the site lacks these features, it may not be safe.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in cafes, airports, and shopping centers, are often unsecure and can expose your sensitive information, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. If you must shop on the go, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection, making it harder for hackers to steal your data.

2. Beware of Package Delivery Scams 

As more people shop online during the holidays, package delivery scams become increasingly common. These are scams that can come in different forms, like phishing emails or fake tracking notifications, or fraudulent payment requests via text message scams, which are also called smishing scams. Here’s how to stay ahead of scammers:

• Track your orders. Be wary of unsolicited notifications or emails about deliveries you aren’t expecting. Fraudsters often send messages pretending to be from a major delivery company, claiming that there’s an issue with your package. Always track your packages directly with the retailer’s official tracking tools or through the delivery service’s official app to avoid falling for these tricks.
• Verify delivery issues. If you receive a message claiming there’s an issue with your delivery and urging you to click on a link or call a number to resolve the issue, do not take action. Once you do, the scammers might ask for personal details or payment information. Real delivery services won’t ask for personal information like this. Instead, go directly to the shipping company’s website to verify the package status.
• Use secure delivery options. If you won’t be home to receive a package, consider using a secure delivery location like a package locker or schedule for a delivery time when you’ll be available. Many retailers and delivery companies offer options to hold packages at a nearby facility for pickup.

Gift cards are a popular holiday gift option, especially for gifts to the people who have all they need. But they’ve also become a favorite target of scammers. Fraudsters often trick people into buying gift cards as a form of payment, or they tamper with physical cards in stores. Protect yourself with these tips:

• Don’t use gift cards for payment. Be wary of anyone asking you to pay for products, services, or fees with a gift card. Legitimate businesses will never request this form of payment. Scammers might tell you they need gift cards to settle a bill, pay taxes, or provide other services.
• Inspect gift cards before purchasing. When buying gift cards from a store, check for any signs of tampering, such as scratched-off PIN codes. Scammers can copy card numbers and PINs, then wait for you to activate the card before draining its balance.
• Keep your receipts. Always keep your purchase receipts for gift cards. If something goes wrong, like a card balance that’s already been depleted or an error with the card, you may be able to use the receipt to help you recover the funds.

4. Stay Safe While Traveling

The holiday season is one of the busiest times for travel, whether it’s visiting family or taking a winter getaway. Unfortunately, travel scams are on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Set travel alerts with your financial institution. Inform PSECU or other financial institutions about your travel plans by setting up travel alerts on your accounts to prevent your card(s) from being flagged as suspicious activity from different locations. This will also help protect your account from fraud.
• Keep your devices secure. Make sure your devices, like smartphones and tablets, use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. It’s also a good idea to have “Find My Device” or other similar features enabled, so you can track its location or remotely erase sensitive information in case your device is lost or stolen. Avoid accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks unless you’re using a VPN.
• Watch out for skimming devices. When paying for gas, withdrawing cash at an ATM, or making purchases at public terminals, inspect the card reader for signs of tampering. Card skimming devices can steal your card information, leaving you vulnerable to fraud. Always check the card reader before using it and report any suspicious device to the staff. For extra peace of mind, cover your hand as you input your PIN in case there’s a camera you didn’t notice.

Keep the Holidays Joyful and Scam-Free

The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress. By staying aware of common scams and following these safety tips, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud during this festive season. Whether you’re shopping online, waiting for deliveries, or traveling, taking some precautions can go a long way to ensuring you have a safe and happy holiday.

At PSECU, we’re committed to helping you stay secure. For more tips on how to protect your personal and financial information, visit the Fraud section of our Resource Center.