Be Aware of Scams This Holiday Season

Each year, people worldwide are visited during the holidays - and not just by jolly St. Nick. Rather, it's fraudsters who take advantage of the seasonal spirit, and they can take the cheer out of your holiday. 

"One of three Americans have fallen victim to an online scam during the holiday season - and of the 58% of those who've lost money to such scams, nearly 1 in 10 lost over $1,000." - Yahoo Finance

Types of Schemes

Fraudsters use the latest technology in a variety of fraud scams that are headed to a community near you. Be wary of solicitations on social media, search engines, text, and email, and keep an eye out for these schemes.

Charity Scams: Scammers invent fake charities or spoof real ones to take advantage of those who want to help the needy during the holidays.

Fake Holiday E-Cards and Party Invitations: Using a twist on the phishing playbook, fraudsters insert links in holiday e-cards and digital invitations that take you to bogus sites, then steal your credentials and/or distribute malware.

Fake Online Retail Stores: Criminals send unsolicited emails containing links to fantastic deals at the website of a retailer you've never heard of.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams: The internet blows up with shopping ads for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Malvertising schemes - i.e., fake ads for real stores - can more easily go undetected when people are expecting promotions.

Fraudulent Gift Cards: Everyone loves the gift cards grandpa gives - in person. Be on the lookout for fraudsters who claim you will receive a gift card by filling out a simple form, which gradually lures you into providing sensitive information.

Malware QR Codes: Scammers can create QR codes leading you to a malware-laced website to infect your mobile device and computer. Sometimes they print QR codes on stickers that can be placed anywhere, even over legitimate advertisements.

Travel Scams: Fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to clone messages and make deepfake videos to promote fake travel deals, vacation rentals, holiday cruises, and more. These videos and voice messages look real but won't send you anywhere you want to go.

Getting Help

 If you have been the victim of a data breach or loss of your personally identifiable information or identify suspicious activity involving Security Financial Bank, contact us immediately. Contact to SFB's Customer Service Department at 888.254.0615 for assistance.