Fraud free holiday 2023 tips are being disseminated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and consumer groups to protect you this year.
Local FBI offices say Texans need to remain vigilant against criminals who care less about giving and more about stealing.
Shoppers looking for a good deal this holiday season need to be aware of aggressive and deceptive scams. They are designed by criminals to steal money and personal information.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Texas residents lost over $763 million to fraudsters just in 2022, including nearly $20 million in phishing and non-delivery scams.
Caveat Emptor – Buyers Beware
Criminals frequently offer too-good-to-be-true deals via phishing e-mails, text messages, and online surveys. These are designed to steal personal information.
The bottom line for consumers: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Stay clear of unfamiliar sites offering unrealistic discounts on brand-name merchandise.
Consumers should also remain skeptical of social media posts offering special deals, vouchers, or gift cards.
These scams frequently lead consumers to online surveys designed to steal personal information.
Before you click on a social media advertisement or provide credit card information, check the legitimacy of the website through independent research.
Without practicing vigilance, shoppers may end up paying for an item, giving away personal information, and receive nothing in return except a compromised identity.
General Financial Safety
Secure Your Passwords
Regularly update and strengthen your passwords using phrases and special characters. Avoid reusing passwords across different accounts and consider using a password manager to store and automate your sign-ins.
Don’t share your account information
Never share your passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes, or any sensitive account information with strangers. Bluevine representatives won’t ask for your sign-in information—ever.
Monitor Your Financial Health This Holiday Season
Keep an eye on your transaction history in your financial account dashboards.
You should also check your FICO score, credit history, and inquiries through one of the three major credit bureaus.
If you notice any suspicious activity, contact support and place a hold on your personal credit through TransUnion, Equifax, or Experian.
Turn On Account Alerts
Activate account alerts on your financial accounts. Most accounts will allow you to enable alerts for ATM withdrawals, debit card transactions, payments sent, and more.
Fraud Free Holiday 2023 Information
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