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Online Shopping With NO Surprises - Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Holiday Season

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means many of us will be shopping online for gifts, deals, and seasonal essentials. While online shopping is convenient and often cost-effective, it’s also a prime time for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. As you prepare for your holiday shopping, [FINANCIAL_INSTITUTION] is here to help you stay secure with tips for avoiding common scams that surface this time of year. By following these guidelines, you can shop confidently and safely.

Be Aware of These Common Holiday Scams

1. Fake Retail Websites

Scammers often create fake websites designed to look like popular online retailers or offer suspiciously low prices on high-demand items. Once you enter your payment information, the scammer has your data—and you may never receive the item.

●       Avoidance Tip: Always verify a website’s authenticity before making a purchase. Look for the small lock symbol in the browser bar, which indicates a secure site, and double-check the URL for misspellings or unusual extensions (for example, .biz or .co instead of .com). Stick to familiar sites or reputable retailers with a track record you trust.

2. Phishing Emails and Texts

Phishing attempts increase significantly during the holiday season. Fraudsters send emails or texts that mimic legitimate companies, often offering "unbelievable deals" or warnings about “suspicious activity” on your account. They’re designed to trick you into clicking on malicious links or entering personal information.

●       Avoidance Tip: If you receive an email or text claiming to be from a retailer, shipping company, or any financial institution that you are not expecting, don’t click on any links. Instead, visit the official website directly by typing it into your browser, or check your account via your bank’s mobile app. Watch for generic greetings like “Dear Customer” rather than your actual name, as well as spelling or grammatical errors that can indicate a scam.

3. Fake Social Media Deals

Social media is a popular platform for scammers to advertise fake products or accounts that mimic well-known brands. They may promote “flash sales” or “exclusive discounts” but are merely collecting your payment info without delivering products.

●       Avoidance Tip: Before buying from a social media ad, research the retailer. Check customer reviews on trusted websites or visit the brand's verified account page to confirm the legitimacy of the offer.

4. Nonexistent Gift Cards and "Prize" Giveaways

Gift card scams increase during the holidays as well. Scammers may sell fake gift cards or create fake “prize” giveaways, asking for personal details or a “small payment” to claim your reward.

●       Avoidance Tip: Only buy gift cards directly from the brand’s official website, a reputable store, or through a well-known retailer’s app. Be skeptical of “giveaways” that require personal or financial information; legitimate brands won’t ask you for this information to enter or claim a prize.

5. Delivery Scams

With so many packages in transit, scammers capitalize by sending fake delivery notifications via text or email. These messages typically include a link for you to “track your package” but lead to phishing sites that capture your information.

●       Avoidance Tip: Be cautious of unexpected delivery alerts. Most retailers offer package tracking via their website or app, where you can check the status of your order. If you’re unsure, go directly to the delivery service’s official site instead of clicking any links in messages.

General Tips to Help Protect Your Money and Personal Information

1. Use Credit Instead of Debit
   When possible, use a credit card rather than a debit card for online shopping, so your bank account won’t be immediately impacted.

2. Enable Alerts on Your Account
   [NOTE: USE THIS TEXT ONLY IF YOU HAVE THIS OPTION IN YOUR CHECKING PLATFORM] Set up real-time transaction alerts on your [FINANCIAL INSTITUTION] account. This way, you’ll receive notifications whenever a purchase is made, allowing you to quickly catch any unauthorized activity.

3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Purchases
   Public Wi-Fi networks aren’t secure and using them for shopping can expose your sensitive information. Instead, shop using a secure, private connection such as your home network or mobile data.

4. Keep Your Devices and Accounts Secure
   Ensure your device software and apps are updated with the latest security patches. Use unique, complex passwords for your accounts, and consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible for an added layer of protection.

5. Monitor Your Account Regularly
   Keep a close eye on your [FINANICAL_INSTITUTION] account. Review transactions frequently and report any suspicious activity immediately. If you notice anything unusual, our team is here to help you address any concerns.

How [FINANCIAL_INSTITUTION] Helps Protect You

Your safety and security are a top priority for us. [FINANCIAL_INSTITUTION] has dedicated security measures in place to monitor and help protect your account from fraud. If you suspect any unauthorized activity, contact us immediately. Our customer support team is available to assist you, and we’re committed to helping you navigate this busy shopping season safely. Remember, with your [EMBEDDED_ACCOUNT] account, you have access to a professional, certified Identity Theft Recovery Advocate who is ready to work with you one-on-one to identify and remediate any suspected or confirmed identity theft.

Get What You Expect This Holiday Season

Online shopping is convenient and offers great deals, but it’s essential to stay vigilant. By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid scams and enjoy a secure, hassle-free holiday season. At [FINANCIAL_INSTUTION], we’re here to support you with the information you need to help you stay protected.

Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Sincerely,
The [FINANCIAL_INSTITUTION] Team

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