Holiday Shopping Alert: Avoid Scams this Season with Peshtigo National Bank's Tips
The holiday season is nearly here, and many of us are gearing up for online shopping to find the best deals on gifts, seasonal décor, and essentials. While online shopping offers convenience and savings, it’s also prime time for scammers hoping to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Peshtigo National Bank wants to help you stay safe this season with practical tips for avoiding common holiday scams. Protect yourself with these guidelines and enjoy a secure shopping experience.
Watch Out for These Common Holiday Scams
1. Fake Retail Websites
Scammers often create fake websites that mimic popular online retailers, showcasing deals that seem too good to be true. Once you enter your payment information, scammers capture your data, and your purchased item never arrives.
How to Avoid: Verify website authenticity by looking for the lock symbol in the browser bar, which signals a secure connection. Double-check the URL for spelling errors or unusual extensions (like .biz or .co). Stick to well-known sites with a trusted reputation.
2. Phishing Emails and Texts
During the holiday season, phishing attempts rise as scammers send fake messages claiming to offer “incredible deals” or warnings of “suspicious activity.” These messages attempt to trick you into clicking on malicious links or sharing personal details.
How to Avoid: Avoid clicking on unexpected links in emails or texts. Instead, go directly to the company’s website or use your bank’s official mobile app. Watch out for generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name, and beware of grammatical errors—both are red flags.
3. Fake Social Media Deals
Social media is a favorite platform for scammers promoting fake products or accounts that mimic real brands, enticing users with flash sales or “exclusive discounts.”
How to Avoid: Research the retailer before buying through social media ads. Check customer reviews on trusted websites or visit the brand's verified social media account to confirm the deal’s legitimacy.
4. Bogus Gift Cards and “Prize” Giveaways
Gift card scams are especially common around the holidays. Scammers sell fake gift cards or run fraudulent “prize” giveaways requiring personal information or a small payment.
How to Avoid: Purchase gift cards directly from the brand’s official website or a trusted retailer. Be cautious of “giveaways” that ask for personal or financial details; legitimate companies don’t require these to claim a prize.
5. Delivery Scams
With the rise in holiday deliveries, scammers send fake notifications with tracking links that lead to phishing sites to steal your information.
How to Avoid: Be wary of unexpected delivery notifications. Use the retailer’s website or app to track packages or visit the delivery service’s official site rather than clicking on links in messages.
Peshtigo National Bank encourages you to shop securely and enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind. Stay vigilant, double-check your sources, and remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
For more information about Peshtigo National Bank and its services, please visit www.pnbwi.com.