Holiday Fraud Schemes
The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and—let’s be honest—a lot of online shopping. With deals popping up everywhere and the convenience of buying gifts from your couch, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. Unfortunately, scammers know this too and can’t wait to take advantage of everyone’s giving spirit. Every year, thousands of shoppers fall victim to fraudulent websites, fake shipping notifications, and phishing emails designed to steal personal and financial information.
Phishing and smishing schemes are big around the holidays.
These are cyberattacks that steal personally identifiable information, such as credit card or social security numbers. These attacks occur when cyber criminals impersonate an organization and ask for personal data in an email (phishing) or text message (smishing). The official looking emails and texts contain a fake URL or a file designed to steal your personal information. It may even infect your device with malware that, if clicked on and opened, can activate a virus that allows the hackers to steal personal information.
Your security is our priority.
That’s why we’re sharing essential tips provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to keep purchases and personal information safe.
- Never provide personal information to someone you didn’t reach out to first. This can be in the form of a text message, email or phone call.
- Don’t click links. If you receive a link from an unexpected or unsolicited text message or email, be suspicious. Be sure to verify with the source before clicking on anything.
- Don’t reply or respond to suspicious emails or text messages.
- Block notifications from unsaved numbers in your phone. This will decrease your likelihood of falling for a scam.
- Let us know about suspicious emails. Feel free to email us a screenshot of the email to custserv@pennian.bank.
- If you receive a voicemail or phone call asking you to give them a call back at a specific number, do not respond. Be sure to research a valid customer service number by using a legitimate bill or the back of a card.
As always, If you ever suspect fraud or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can make this holiday season safe, stress-free, and full of cheer!
