Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
Scams don't have to be scary
when you know what to look for.
Keep an eye out for these, and others like them, this holiday season to protect you, your wallet, and your identity. Think you've been a victim of a scam? It's not the end of the world, but you should take action. Call us at 417-895-4139, and we'll get through it together.
Look-Alike Websites
Scammers can build complete copies of websites. When conducting business online, take a few seconds to double-check the URL. Watch for clues such as the web address's extension (.com, .org, .gov, .bix, .net). Keep an eye out for misspellings, and look for https:// at the beginning of the URL.
Alerts About Compromised Accounts
Some scammers claim your Amazon, Paypal, Netflix, or bank account has been compromised. Victims may receive an email, call, or text message describing suspicious activity on one of their accounts, and it urges them to take immediate action. The scammer will begin asking for details about the victim’s accounts or personally identifying information. If you're ever unsure, cease communication and call the number of the company you trust.
Fake Shipping Notices
Have a shipping notice in your inbox telling you that there is a problem or delivery issue with your package(s)? It might be a 'ransom' attack. Clicking a link or opening an attachment could infect your computer, holding your files for a monetary ransom. Resist the click! Contact the delivery service directly from their website or call the customer service line they list when in doubt.
Fake Suspension of Service Notices
Some phishing emails may try to convince you that your streaming service or cloud account was suspended due to a payment issue. This attack provides criminals with your card information by requesting that you update it to reactivate your account. Visit the site directly to verify or update your billing information. Don't use any links or attachments in an email. Now go ahead, keep watching – holiday binging isn't limited to food.
Using Public Wi-Fi Wisely
If you're at the airport waiting for your flight or sitting at a local coffee shop doing some last-minute shopping, be careful about connecting to public Wi-Fi. Hackers can embed themselves between your device and the Wi-Fi connection, which allows them to see anything you do online from that point forward. Don't access your finances, shop online, or open any other sensitive data when using public Wi-Fi. Protect yourself from a security breach by using a virtual private network and installing antivirus software.
Temporary Holiday Jobs
Looking for a holiday job to make money on the side? Be careful where you put your information! Scammers will post fake holiday jobs to receive a victim’s sensitive information, including Social Security Number and bank account. Some key red flags include a high salary for small jobs, no interviews, and high pressure to accept the role. Research the company before applying for a position.
