Back
Back
Back
Download our e-Treasury Secure Browser
Download the Sterling e-Treasury Token Client
Published on November 18, 2024 | Webster Bank
Scammers are persistent opportunists who are looking for ways to exploit your personal information. Falling victim to fraud can have devastating consequences, both financially and emotionally. Scammers can drain your bank accounts, steal your identity, and create long-lasting impacts that could take months, if not years, to resolve.
Fraud is on the rise, and scammers are increasingly targeting unsuspecting consumers both on and off the internet. Since 2021, one in four people who reported losing money to fraud said it started on social media.1 In stores, gift card scams spiked by 50% in 2023.2 Knowing the tactics these criminals use is the first step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Keep yourself vigilant with these tips.
During the holiday season, when everyone is busy and generous, fraud becomes even more common. Be aware of these holiday scams and how to protect yourself.
With the increased demand for seasonal workers, scammers take advantage by posting fake job listings. These listings often require applicants to provide personal information, pay for background checks or training materials—only for the job to turn out to be fake.
Prevention tip: Research the company before applying for any job. Be cautious of job offers that require you to pay for background checks, training materials, or any other up-front fees. Understanding employment scam alerts can help you find legitimate work opportunities.
E-cards from scammers often appear to come from family or friends. Links within the e-card might lead to a phishing website that mimics a legitimate page, such as a login portal for your email or a social media site.
Prevention tip: Only open e-cards from trusted sources. If you receive one from an unknown sender, or if it requires additional steps to view, proceed with caution. Being cautious of holiday e-card scams can prevent malware infections.
Scammers often set up fake charities or impersonate legitimate ones to solicit donations, often exploiting emotional appeals related to holidays or disasters. They also use phishing emails and social media posts to direct victims to fake donation sites, where they collect personal and financial information.
Prevention tip: Before donating, research the charity using resources like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau. Always donate through the charity’s official website and avoid giving out personal information through email or social media. Knowing how to detect charity fraud is vital for ensuring your donations go to the right place.
Scammers often impersonate well-known retailers, sending emails or texts that offer incredible discounts or deals. These messages typically contain links to fake websites designed to steal your personal and financial information.
Prevention tip: Be cautious of unsolicited messages offering deals that seem too good to be true. Instead of clicking on links in the message, visit the retailer’s official website directly by typing the URL into your browser. Knowing how to avoid phishing scams is essential for your safety.
Scammers often tamper with gift cards in stores, recording the card numbers and draining the balances once the cards are activated. Additionally, fraudsters lure consumers with fake offers of free or heavily discounted gift cards through email, social media, or pop-up ads that are designed to steal personal information.
Prevention tip: Only purchase gift cards from reputable sources and inspect the card for signs of tampering before buying. Be wary of online offers that ask for personal information or payment for “free” cards. Being aware of gift card scam warnings can save you from financial loss.
Fraudsters frequently promote fake contests or giveaways on social media, enticing participants to provide personal information or pay up-front fees. These scams are designed to steal your data or money.
Prevention tip: Be skeptical of contests that require you to provide personal details or payment to enter. Verify the legitimacy of the social media page or account before participating in any contest. Awareness of social media scams can protect your online presence.
As scammers continue to evolve their tactics, staying informed is more important than ever. Regularly educate yourself about the latest scams and share this knowledge with friends and family to help them stay protected. Keeping your software updated, using strong passwords, and being skeptical of unsolicited offers are simple yet effective fraud prevention tips. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to report any suspicious activity.
1 One in four people who reported losing money to fraud since 2021 said it started on social media (FTC)
2 Gift card scams have increased by 50% in the last year (BBB)
Find a banking center or ATM
Contact us