As the holiday season approaches, many of us are feeling festive and looking forward to spending time with family, decorating our homes, and spreading goodwill. However, during these joyful times, it's easy to become less vigilant about fraud. It’s essential to remember that scammers tend to be more active during this period, trying to take advantage of people and their hard-earned money. While we should always be cautious of scams throughout the year, we must also stay alert to the seasonal trends in fraudulent activities.
Fraudulent schemes are normally created to instill fear, often causing individuals to make decisions they wouldn't typically consider. During the holiday season, fraudsters may exploit your festive spirit by sending phishing emails that claim to be from "The North Pole" or "Santa’s Workshop." It's essential to avoid clicking on links from unfamiliar emails to protect yourself from potential scams.
Always ensure that the websites you shop on and where you enter your credit card information are secure. Look for "https://" in the website address, as well as a padlock symbol.
It’s not advisable to click on links in emails that “claim” to lead to your favorite online stores. Cybercriminals often create websites that closely resemble the ones we use every day. To stay safe, navigate directly to the website by typing the URL into your browser.
Exercise caution when using public (unsecured) Wi-Fi at your favorite coffee shop or restaurant while doing your holiday shopping. Never enter financial or personal information on websites when connected to public networks.
When making online purchases, it is advisable to use a credit card rather than a debit card. Additionally, do not choose the option to “save payment information”; instead, enter your details each time you make a purchase.
It's essential to create a unique password for your mobile banking account that differs from the passwords used for your social media accounts. Choose a password that is difficult to guess, even if someone has access to your social media profiles.
Additionally, be cautious about leaving packages unattended at your front door. There have been numerous reports of stolen packages. To minimize risk, track your deliveries and schedule them for times when you or a family member will be home to receive them.
At MHV, our top priority is ensuring that you and your loved ones have a joyful and safe holiday season while also maintaining financial security. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (845) 336-4444. Our representatives are more than happy to assist you in any way possible.
Happy Holidays!
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