Consumer Safety During the Holidays

The holiday season is here, and while it's a time of joy and celebration, it's also important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential scams and fraud. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, victims lost $6.9 billion to internet scams in 2021. Whether it is peer-to-peer payment scams, charity scams, or email phishing, fraudsters are becoming increasingly more cunning. Your safety is our top priority, and we’re here to share some valuable tips to help you confidently navigate the world of holiday shopping.

1. Be Wary of Suspicious Emails and Messages: Cybercriminals often use phishing emails and texts to trick you into revealing personal information. Be cautious when clicking on links or providing sensitive details online. Fraudsters may contact you claiming to represent a fraud department or merchant and ask you to confirm sensitive information like your social security number, date of birth, or account login information. Contact the merchant directly through official channels when in doubt.
2. Shop from Secure Websites: Ensure the websites you're shopping from have a secure connection. Look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates that your data is encrypted and protected.
3. Update Your Devices: Keeping your devices and apps up-to-date ensures you have the latest security patches. This reduces the risk of vulnerabilities that scammers could exploit.
4. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Opt for unique, complex passwords for your online shopping accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of them securely. Also, set up multi-factor authentication - a step to verify who you are, like a text with a code — for all accounts, and do not share the verification codes with anyone, including anyone claiming to be the bank.
5. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately. With First United’s fraud protection, suspicious activity is being monitored 24/7. You will receive an automatic text message and email with the option to reply with “FRAUD” or “NO FRAUD”. Remember, we will NEVER ask for your PIN or account number via text or email. Contact us immediately to request a replacement if your card is lost or stolen. You may also deactivate your debit card in the online banking app.
6. Know Who You Are Sending Money to on Peer-to-Peer apps: When sending money via apps like CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle, be sure to know and trust the other party who is receiving your money. Confirm the name, email, phone number, or applicable identifier when you transfer money. If you make a mistake, even one wrong digit, you will send your money to someone else who may not give it back. Just like handing someone cash, your bank can’t get it back for you.
7. Research Charities Before Giving: Before you donate to a cause, investigate the charity by visiting websites such as Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, or the Better Business Bureau to do your research. Also, be sure to ask how the charity will use your donation. Legitimate charities would not pressure you or make you feel guilty about deciding whether to donate. They also wouldn’t ask you to provide personal information or donate using wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. And if they tell you they can guarantee you will win a prize in exchange for a donation – run. That is illegal.

Remember, your safety is in your hands. By staying informed and practicing these simple tips, you can shop confidently and enjoy the holiday season without worries. Happy shopping and happy holidays!