Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Each year, people worldwide are visited during the holidays — and not just by their family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also the season when fraudsters take advantage of the holiday rush and good cheer to launch new scams. From fake charities to phishing e-cards, these schemes can quickly take the joy out of your holidays.
At Bank of the Bluegrass, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most — your peace of mind and your financial well-being. Here’s what to look out for this holiday season and how to keep your information safe.
Fraudsters are getting smarter, using new technology and AI tools to make their scams look more convincing than ever. Keep an eye out for these common schemes:
Fake charities — or spoofed versions of real ones — often appear around the holidays. Always verify before you give.
Be cautious when opening digital cards or party invites, especially those that ask you to click a link or download an attachment.
If you receive an email for a deal that seems too good to be true from a store you’ve never heard of, it probably is. Always check the URL and company legitimacy before purchasing.
Fraudulent ads can appear even on legitimate sites. Double-check the retailer’s web address before entering any payment information.
Scammers may offer fake promotions or claim you’ll receive a free gift card if you share personal details. Never share sensitive information to claim a prize.
Fraudsters can place malicious QR codes on posters, receipts, or public spaces. Scanning them can infect your device or steal your information.
AI-generated fake videos and messages are being used to promote “dream” vacation deals. If a travel offer seems unusually cheap or urgent, verify before you book.
Fraud losses continue to increase year over year:
– $12.5 billion lost to fraud in 2024 — a 25% increase from the previous year (FTC).
– $16.6 billion in reported scam losses (FBI IC3) — up 33% from 2023.
– 1 in 3 Americans have fallen victim to an online scam during the holidays (Yahoo Finance).
These statistics remind us all to be extra cautious during the season of giving.
Before you click, pause and look for these signs of fraud:
– Unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal or banking information.
– Urgent messages or emotional appeals.
– Websites with unclear policies, no contact info, or suspicious URLs.
Be proactive and stay alert:
– Stop. Think. Ask. If it feels off, it probably is.
– Verify charities independently before donating.
– Use trusted online tools like the Better Business Bureau or Get Safe Online.
– Double-check web addresses for typos or strange spellings.
– Never click on unverified links or attachments.
– Keep software and security patches up to date.
– Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible.
– Regularly monitor your financial accounts.
– Report spam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) and blocking the sender.
If you suspect your information may have been compromised or you’ve interacted with a fraudulent message, it’s important to act fast:
– Immediately change any passwords you may have shared.
– Notify your financial institution right away.
– Report the incident to IC3.gov, local law enforcement, and the FTC.
Taking quick action can limit losses, protect your identity, and help authorities stop fraudsters in their tracks.
If you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised, contact Bank of the Bluegrass immediately. Our team can help you secure your accounts and take the right next steps.
If you remember only one key takeaway from this post, remember this: nearly all scams can be avoided by remembering that you should never share personal or sensitive information with anyone, including your address, social security number, username, passwords, credit/debit card numbers, CVV codes, or PINs.
Legitimate organizations will never ask for this information unsolicited and will only request certain details to verify your identity when you contact them directly.
To safeguard yourself and your finances this holiday, keep yourself informed, be cautious and follow the tips we have shared in this. Learn more about fraud prevention on our website HERE. As always, we’re here to help at “The Best Bank in Town.”
If you’re concerned about potential fraud or unsure about a message you received, please call us at (859) 233-4500.
This post is for informational purposes only. No one method alone will protect from fraud.
