As the holiday season approaches, so does an unfortunate trend—fraudsters ramping up their efforts to take advantage of the festive spirit. Whether you're shopping online for the perfect gift or donating to a meaningful cause, it's more important than ever to stay alert for scams that could turn your season of giving into a season of regret.

At Consumers National Bank, your financial safety is our top priority. That’s why we're sharing the most common holiday scams making the rounds this year—and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Fake Online Stores & Social Media Ads

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters create convincing websites or social media ads offering popular products at steep discounts. Once you make a purchase, you might receive a low-quality knockoff—or nothing at all.

How to avoid it:

• Stick with known retailers or verify unfamiliar ones through reviews and Better Business Bureau listings.
• Check the URL carefully. Scammers often use slight misspellings of legitimate brand names.
• Use secure payment methods. Whether using a debit or credit card, shop only on secure websites (look for "https" in the URL), and monitor your account closely for unauthorized charges.

2. Package Delivery Scams

With the surge in online shopping comes a rise in fake delivery notifications. Scammers send emails or texts claiming there's an issue with your delivery, prompting you to click a link or provide personal information.

How to avoid it:

• Don’t click on suspicious links. Go directly to the carrier’s official website or app to track your package.
• Watch for vague or generic language. Legitimate delivery services will usually reference specific tracking numbers.
• Report phishing texts and emails. Forward them to your mobile carrier (7726) or report to the FTC.

3. Charity and Donation Scams

The season of giving also brings out scammers pretending to be from reputable charities—or creating fake ones entirely. They count on your generosity and urgency during the holidays.

How to avoid it:

• Research before you donate. Use websites like CharityNavigator.org or the IRS’s tax-exempt organization search to confirm legitimacy.
• Don’t give under pressure. Scammers often create a sense of urgency or an emotional appeal to rush your decision.
• Avoid gift card donations. Reputable charities won’t ask for donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

4. Gift Card Scams

Speaking of gift cards, these are a favorite tool for scammers. Some pose as a friend, coworker, or authority figure and ask you to purchase gift cards and send the codes. Others sell discounted cards that turn out to be empty or stolen.

How to avoid it:

• Never send gift card numbers by phone or email. Legitimate businesses and individuals won’t ask this of you.
• Buy gift cards directly from trusted retailers. Avoid auction sites or third-party sellers.
• Register gift cards when possible and keep receipts to track your purchase.

5. Travel Scams

Heading out of town for the holidays? Be cautious of fake travel deals offering luxury hotels or flights at bargain prices. You could end up losing money—or arriving at a destination that doesn't exist.

How to avoid it:

• Book through verified platforms or travel agents you trust.
• Check reviews and contact information before paying.
• Be wary of upfront payments for deals that require wire transfers or prepaid debit cards.

6. AI Voice Cloning Scams

Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to clone voices of loved ones and call you in distress, asking for urgent help or money. Around the holidays, you may receive a call that sounds like your child, grandchild, or sibling asking you to wire funds or send a payment.

How to avoid it:

• Pause and verify. Hang up and call the person back using a number you know.
• Have a family code word. Something only you and your loved ones know can help confirm real emergencies.
• Stay calm. Scammers rely on panic to cloud your judgment.

7. AI Chatbot Shopping Scams

AI-powered chatbots are now being used on fake retail websites to mimic customer service reps and trick you into sharing sensitive information. Some even offer "exclusive holiday deals" to lure you into making a fraudulent purchase.

How to avoid it:

• Avoid sharing payment info through chat. If you’re chatting with a support bot, never give out your credit card, Social Security number, or bank details.
• Look for red flags. Bots that avoid direct questions or push urgency are often suspicious.
• Verify the website’s legitimacy before engaging with any online assistant.

Protecting Yourself This Holiday Season

Scammers are clever, but you can stay one step ahead with these smart habits:

• Monitor your accounts regularly. Consumers National Bank offers online and mobile banking tools that make it easy to keep tabs on your transactions.
• Set up account alerts to be notified of any unusual activity.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for all your online accounts.
• Keep your devices secure with updated antivirus software and firewalls.

When in Doubt, Contact Us!

If you suspect you've encountered a scam or notice suspicious activity on your account, contact us immediately. Our team at Consumers National Bank is here to help you take swift action and secure your finances.

This holiday season, let’s spread joy—not fall for fraud. By staying informed and cautious, you can keep your holidays safe, secure, and stress-free.

Need help or have questions?
Visit your local branch or get in touch with us to discover how to protect yourself from fraud all year round!