Why Scammers Love the Holiday Season
Scammers love the holidays too, but for all the wrong reasons. Here’s why:
- More online shopping = more package delivery scams
- More donations = more fake charity requests
- More rushing around = more “Oops, I clicked without thinking”
- More gift‑giving = more cards, cash apps, and digital payments to exploit
Wisconsin consumer-protection groups warn that identity theft, fake online stores, and phishing messages spike between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, especially in rural areas where scammers assume people aren’t on high alert. Let’s prove them wrong!
5 Holiday Scams You’ll Want to Watch Out For
1. The Fake Shipping Notification
You get a text or email that looks like it’s from UPS, USPS, FedEx, or your favorite online store: “Your package is delayed,” “Payment needed to re‑deliver,” or “Click here to track.”
But clicking those links may send you to a phishing site or install malware, giving scammers access to your information.
What to do:
- Don’t click links from unknown or unexpected messages.
- Instead, go directly to the retailer or carrier website (type in the URL yourself) or app, whether it’s Amazon, Target, Fleet Farm, or wherever you actually shopped.
If you’re expecting a package, check the confirmation email or order history — not a random text.
2. “Too Good to Be True” Holiday Deals
50% off PlayStations? Yeah… sure… Flash sales, huge discounts, “last‑minute Black Friday” deals pop up everywhere this time of year. Sometimes they’re real, but many are convincing fake storefronts designed by scammers to steal your card info or personal data.
Quick checks:
- Does the URL look legitimate? Look for “https://” and a lock icon.
- Google the retailer’s name and “reviews” or “scam” before buying.
- If the payment method is gift cards, wire transfer, cash apps, or cryptocurrency, that’s a huge red flag.
- Make sure the business has a real, reachable customer care team.
When in doubt? Don’t check out!
3. Gift Card and Charity Scams
“Grandma, the police said you need to buy iTunes gift cards right now!” Gift cards are popular holiday gifts, and scammers know that. Some demand payment with gift cards, others impersonate charities or send “urgent” messages claiming a family member or friend needs help right away.
How to protect yourself:
- Never buy gift cards for “urgent” or unexpected requests, especially from unknown contacts.
- Verify charities independently, so don’t just trust a social media message or a forwarded link.
- Treat surprise pleas for “help” with extra caution around Giving Tuesday or year‑end donations.
When possible, donate locally—where you know your dollars are supporting real neighbors.
4. Phishing Emails or Texts Claiming to Be from Your Bank
Scammers may pose as AbbyBank (or other banks), claiming there’s a problem with your account and asking you to “verify” by entering account details, PINs, or SSNs. Real banks (including AbbyBank) will never ask for sensitive information through email or text.
You might see messages like:
“URGENT! Your AbbyBank account is locked. Verify your info now!”
What to do instead:
- Never reply or click. Instead, log in to your account using the official website or call the number on your card.
- Enable transaction alerts or card‑control features through AbbyBank’s online/mobile banking if you haven’t already.
5. Travel and Vacation Rental Scams
A beach getaway sounds great, until you discover your rental doesn’t exist. Fake travel ads and rental listings spike during the holiday season, targeting people eager to book last-minute lodging.
Before you book:
- Search the rental/company name along with reviews or complaints.
- Avoid untraceable payment methods like gift cards or payments through wire transfers.
- Use a credit card for better fraud protection, as that gives you recourse if the listing disappears.
How to Protect Yourself All Season Long
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to keep handy while gift‑shopping and holiday browsing:
- Use credit or debit cards with fraud protection and enable transaction alerts or card controls.
- Turn on fraud alerts and card controls in AbbyBank's mobile app.
- Use contactless payments when possible.
- No banking over free Wi‑Fi (yes, even in your favorite coffee shop).
- Slow down before you click as scammers rely on rushed decisions.
- Check your account often for tiny “test” charges.
- Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two‑factor authentication.
A minute spent double‑checking can save hours (and dollars) later.
What To Do if Something Feels Off
Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong:
- Stop interacting with the suspicious message (text, email) or caller.
- Contact AbbyBank right away. We can block cards, monitor fraud, and walk you through next steps.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via ReportFraud.ftc.gov, if needed.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze to protect your identity.
Scammers count on embarrassment to keep people quiet. Nope, not this year.
AbbyBank Is Here to Help You Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season
We live here too—shopping local, grabbing hot chocolate, hitting winter festivals, and all the other cozy things. We want our neighbors to stay safe and protected every step of the way.
Whether you’d like help setting up card alerts, want to verify a suspicious call or message, or you think something went wrong, come talk to us. We’re right here in your community and ready to help.
Wishing you a joyful, scam‑free holiday season from all of us at AbbyBank!