Holiday Scams


Holiday Scams: Don't Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Cheer 

The holidays are busy enough without worrying about scammers. Between shopping for gifts, tracking packages and checking things off your to-do list, it's easy to get caught up in the rush. 

And that's exactly what scammers are counting on. 

At Green Belt Bank & Trust, we want to help you recognize the red flags before a scam ruins your holiday season. Here are six common scams to watch for and how to avoid them. 

1. "Your Package Couldn't Be Delivered" 

You're waiting for Christmas gifts when your phone buzzes with a text: "Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Click here to update your information.” Sounds believable, especially when you've ordered from several different stores! 

Watch out for: 

  • Unexpected texts about delivery problems. 

  • Links asking you to update your address or payment information. 

  • Requests to pay a small "redelivery fee." 

What to do: Don't click the link! Go directly to the retailer's or shipping company's website or app to track your package. 

2. "This Deal Is Too Good to Pass Up!" 

You're scrolling Facebook when an ad pops up offering that perfect Christmas gift for 75% off. Sounds like a great deal, right? Unfortunately, scammers create fake shopping websites that look like the real thing. 

Watch out for: 

  • Prices that seem too good to be true. 

  • Stores you've never heard of or websites with strange URLs. 

  • Sellers request payment through gift cards or payment apps. 

What to do: Research unfamiliar stores, check independent reviews and shop with trusted retailers when possible. 

3. "Hey, Can You Grab Me a Gift Card?" 

You get an email that looks like it's from your boss asking you to purchase gift cards for employee Christmas gifts. Or maybe it's a text from a family member asking for a quick favor. Scammers often pretend to be someone you know. 

Watch out for: 

  • Unexpected or urgent gift card requests. 

  • Someone asking for pictures of gift card numbers or PINs. 

  • Requests to keep the purchase a secret. 

What to do: Call the person directly to confirm before purchasing anything. 

4. "This Is Your Bank Calling" 

Your phone rings, and the caller ID shows your bank's number. The person says there's suspicious activity on your account and needs you to verify some information. 

Here's the catch: Scammers can fake caller ID information to make it look like your bank is calling. 

Watch out for: 

  • Requests for online banking passwords or verification codes. 

  • Someone telling you to transfer money to a "safe" account. 

  • Pressure to act immediately. 

What to do: Hang up and call Green Belt Bank & Trust directly using a trusted phone number. Never share your password or verification code with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. 

 

5. "Congratulations! You've Won!" 

A free vacation, shopping spree or new TV sounds great! But fake social media giveaways are another way scammers try to collect personal information. 

Watch out for: 

  • Messages saying you've won a contest you have never entered. 

  • Requests for payment to claim a prize. 

  • Fake business pages asking for personal or banking information. 

What to do: Check the business's official page to confirm the giveaway is legitimate. You shouldn't have to pay to claim a free prize. 

 

Remember: STOP. VERIFY. ACT. 

Scammers want you to react quickly without thinking. When something seems suspicious, remember these three steps: 

  • STOP. Don't click, respond, share information, or send money. 

  • VERIFY. Contact the person, business or bank directly using information you know and trust. 

  • ACT. Once you've verified what's happening, take the appropriate next step.  

 

Think You've Been Scammed? 

Acting quickly can help protect your money and information. 

  • Contact your bank immediately if you've shared financial information or sent money. 

  • Change your passwords if you've entered login information on a suspicious website. 

  • Monitor your accounts for unfamiliar transactions. 

 

Keep the Holidays Merry, Not Scary! 

Scammers are always finding new tricks, but taking a few extra seconds to stop and double-check can make all the difference. 

At Green Belt Bank & Trust, we're here to help you keep your money and personal information safe. If something doesn't feel right, give us a call. We'd much rather help you check something suspicious than have you become a victim of fraud. 

 

Scammers are always finding new ways to catch people off guard. Whether it's a text, email or phone call, it's important to slow down and think before responding. If something doesn't seem right, take a minute to verify it. A little caution can go a long way in protecting your personal and financial information. Wishing you a safe, happy, and scam-free holiday season! 

— Jodi Harrenstein, Fraud Specialist, Green Belt Bank & Trust