For most people, winter is one of the biggest seasons of spending. As we approach the Christmas season, there are gifts to be bought, decorations to get, parties to host and so much more. But as we start to get a little looser with what we’re spending, it can sometimes result in security risks for your funds.
Moving into the spending season, here are some ways you can make sure that you (and your cash) stay safe this holiday.
- If it Seems Too Good to be True… It Probably is – With Black Friday growing every single year, we’re used to seeing bigger and bigger discounts around this time of year. But that also means that large, fake discounts may seem more realistic than they normally would. If you’re tempted by something that seems too good to be true, make sure that you’re doing your due diligence on the products and sellers to verify that they’re legitimate.
- Shop Local – By purchasing your gifts, decorations and more locally, you’re able to know exactly who is selling what you’re buying and where they get their goods from. Plus, all of the money you’re spending this season supports our local economy – it’s a win-win!
- Avoid Unknown Emails – If you get an email that seems suspicious, avoid clicking anything. Whether that’s a receipt for a product you didn’t buy, or someone offering you a “super special sale”, try to verify them by a phone call or other means before moving forward.
- Call Community! – If you see any suspicious activity on your account, the first thing you should do is give us a call. We’ll help ensure that both your finances and your family are safe and secure this holiday season.
The holidays are a wonderful time when we all get to come together and spend time with friends and family. To make sure you’re able to make the most of yours, take these precautions to help protect yourself from any potential fraud.