Beware of Scams

Don’t let a scammer steal your Christmas spirit or identity this holiday season!

Here are some ways you can protect your identity and prevent fraudsters from spoiling your Christmas cheer:

1. Avoid Free Wi-Fi 
Most public Wi-Fi networks are unsecure. Shopping on a public network can make you more vulnerable for a Grinch to steal your sensitive information. If possible, avoid any holiday shopping online or logging into your bank account when connected to an unsecured network.

2. Shop Wisely 
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is! Watch out for shopping sites that offer high-demand products at very low prices. Also, make sure you are paying with a traceable payment method. Avoid sites that take payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

3. Monitor Your Bank Account 
Use your bank’s online portal or mobile banking app to watch for any suspicious transactions. Contact us right away if you suspect there has been fraudulent activity on your account.

4. Password Protection 
It is not recommended to use the same passwords for multiple accounts. Create strong and unique passwords for your accounts to make it more difficult for a hacker to figure out.