Stay Safe This Holiday Season: How to Avoid Scammers

The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and connecting with loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts to take advantage of busy shoppers and generous individuals. We want to ensure you and your family enjoy a safe and scam-free holiday season. Here's how you can protect yourself.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For

• Online Shopping Scams

  • What to Look For: Fake websites, ads, or social media posts offering unbeatable deals. Scammers often mimic legitimate retailers to lure unsuspecting shoppers.

  • How to Stay Safe:

    • Stick to trusted retailers and verify URLs before making a purchase.

    • Look for "https://" in the web address, which indicates a secure connection.

    • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages.

• Phishing Emails

  • What to Look For: Emails that appear to be from your bank, favorite retailer, or delivery service asking for personal information or account details.

  • How to Stay Safe:

    • Never provide sensitive information through email.

    • Verify the sender's email address, as scammers often use similar-looking addresses to trick you.

    • Contact the company directly if you're unsure about an email's legitimacy.

• Charity Scams

  • What to Look For: Fake charities or crowdfunding campaigns that tug at your heartstrings but don’t actually support a cause.

  • How to Stay Safe:

    • Research charities on sites like Charity Navigator before donating.

    • Avoid donating through unfamiliar platforms or via links in unsolicited emails or social media messages.

• Gift Card Scams

  • What to Look For: Scammers asking for payment in gift cards or selling heavily discounted cards that don’t work.

  • How to Stay Safe:

    • Never pay bills or debts with gift cards; no legitimate company will ask you to do so.

    • Purchase gift cards directly from reputable stores or official websites.

• Fake Delivery Notifications

  • What to Look For: Texts or emails claiming you missed a delivery and prompting you to click a link to reschedule.

  • How to Stay Safe:

    • Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Instead, check directly with the delivery company using their official app or website.

    • Monitor tracking numbers from your legitimate purchases to stay informed.

Tips for Staying Protected

• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your AltaOne accounts for unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts in online banking to get notified of unusual activity.

• Strengthen Your Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for online shopping and banking accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.

• Use Secure Payment Methods: Credit cards and digital wallets offer extra protection compared to debit cards or wire transfers.

• Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is. Always question unusually low prices or deals.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect fraud on your AltaOne account, contact us immediately at (800) 433-9727. Our team is here to assist you and help protect your financial well-being.

Additionally, report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov and monitor your credit report for signs of identity theft.

The holidays should be a time for celebration, not worry. By staying informed and vigilant, you can outsmart scammers and enjoy the season with peace of mind. From all of us at AltaOne, have a happy and safe holiday season!

Would you like help setting up account alerts or learning more about fraud prevention? Visit our Fraud Alert Center or your nearest AltaOne branch.