featured
2024-12-02
Fraud
published
featured
2017-04-24
category
published
3 minutes
Increased Fraud During the Holidays
The holiday season is a prime time for fraudsters to strike. With the increase in online shopping, travel, and gift-giving, scammers see more opportunities to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
Here are a few reasons why fraud spikes during this time:
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Higher Financial Activity: The holidays mean more transactions—both online and in-store—which creates more chances for fraudsters to intercept your information.
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Heightened Emotions: The rush to grab deals or the stress of last-minute purchases can lead people to let their guard down.
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Charity Scams: Fraudsters often impersonate charitable organizations to take advantage of holiday generosity.
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Urgency Tactics: Scammers create fake "urgent" notifications, such as account lockouts, suspicious activity alerts, or limited-time offers, to pressure victims into providing sensitive information.
WyHy Will Never
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Call, text, or email you to solicit personal information.
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This includes your Online Banking credentials, credit or debit card details, or Social Security number.
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Contact you outside of regular business hours or on holidays regarding account issues.
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Ask you to verify personal information through unfamiliar websites or links.
Fraud Prevention Tips
If you receive a call, text, or email from an unknown or suspicious source requesting personal or financial information, it is likely a phishing attempt.
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Do NOT respond or click on any links- These messages are designed to trick you into giving away sensitive information.
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Delete the message and report it- For text messages, forward them to 7726 (SPAM) to report them to your carrier.
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Enable call or message filtering features on your phone to block communication from unknown or suspicious senders.
At WyHy, we are dedicated to safeguarding your personal and financial information. If you ever feel uncertain about a communication or suspect fraudulent activity, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
While the holidays bring joy and connection, they also bring risks. By staying informed and cautious, you can ensure your holidays remain safe and stress-free. WyHy is here to help you protect your finances and provide the support you need.