Holiday Cyber Scams

Cybercrime is on the rise, and scammers are especially active during the holiday shopping season. Fake offers, urgent messages, and deceptive communications are being used to trick consumers. Knowing what to watch for and how to respond is the best way to stay protected this holiday season.

Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself:

Stay Skeptical of Urgent Requests

• Scammers often try to pressure you with messages like “limited-time offer” or “act now.” Always pause and verify before making a purchase.

Monitor Financial Transactions

• Frequently review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity, particularly after online shopping. Report anything unusual right away.

Beware of Gift Card Scams

• Never send gift cards to strangers or anyone insisting they be used for payment. This is a common sign of fraud.

Protect Your Personal Information

• Be careful when sharing personal details, especially with unsolicited calls or messages. Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations to steal your identity.

Staying alert and informed is the best way to enjoy a safe and worry-free holiday season.

Source: U.S. Department of Treasury, The Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection, Seasonal Security, Protecting Yourself from Holiday Scams and Fraud.
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