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The holiday season brings festive cheer and the joy of giving. Unfortunately, it also attracts scammers looking to take advantage of your goodwill and busy schedules. At M C Bank, we’re here to help you grow and thrive by keeping you informed and protected. Let’s look at some common scams you might encounter this time of year and how to steer clear of them.
1. The Fake Invoice Trap
Ever received an email with a mysterious invoice attached? Scammers send these emails to trick you into thinking you owe money for a purchase you didn’t make. Clicking on links or downloading attachments can expose your personal information.
How to avoid it:
- Double-check the sender’s details and never click on unfamiliar links.
- When in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s official website or contact them to verify.
2. The Gift Card Con
If someone asks you to pay for a bill, a service, or a charitable donation with a gift card, it’s a red flag. Fraudsters use this tactic because gift cards are hard to trace and impossible to recover once the money is spent.
How to avoid it:
- Legitimate companies and organizations will never request gift card payments.
- Verify any request with the person or organization before acting.
3. The Phantom Delivery Notice
With so many packages being shipped during the holidays, it’s easy to fall for fake delivery notifications. Scammers send texts or emails asking you to click a link to confirm delivery or pay a fee.
How to avoid it:
- Check your package status directly with the carrier using the official tracking number.
- Avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages.
4. The Online Shopping Scam
Scammers set up fake online stores with incredible deals to lure you in. After you make a purchase, the product either never arrives or is vastly different from what was advertised.
How to avoid it:
- Stick to reputable online retailers.
- Check reviews and avoid sites with limited contact information or suspicious payment methods.
A Common Thread in Scams: False Urgency
Most scams share a common tactic: creating a false sense of urgency. Scammers pressure you to act quickly so you don’t have time to think or verify their claims. Some common examples include:
- “Your account will be deleted if you do not validate your information now.”
- “Act now to avoid charges or late fees.”
- “Your account will be locked or delivery canceled if you don’t respond immediately.”
- “Price drop for the next hour only.”
How to avoid it:
- Take a moment to pause, evaluate the situation, and verify the legitimacy of the request.
- Remember, legitimate businesses and organizations won’t rush you into making decisions.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Even the most cautious among us can fall victim to scams. If you’ve been affected, here’s how to respond:
- Take a deep breath and remain calm. While it’s important to act quickly, it’s more important to be thorough.
- Change the password for the affected account. For example, if it’s an Amazon scam, change your Amazon password immediately.
- If you shared access to your email or computer, update those passwords as well.
- If you sent money, contact both your local police and the service you used to send the money (e.g., CashApp, Zelle, or your bank).
- If your email or social media was hacked, reach out to trusted friends in your contacts and ask if they’ve received anything suspicious from “you.” If they have, warn the rest of your contacts as well.
Proactive Protection: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
The best way to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts is to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever possible. For example, M C Bank will send you a text code whenever a new or unknown login to your online banking occurs. Never share those codes with anyone — especially if they called you first.
We’re Here to Help You Thrive
At M C Bank, we know the holidays should be a time for joy, not stress. If something feels off or you’re unsure about a financial request, we’re here to guide you. We believe in being more than a bank — we’re your trusted partner, helping you protect what matters most.
Stay alert, stay informed, and most importantly, stay connected. Whenever you’re in doubt, reach out to an M C Bank associate. Together, we can ensure your holiday season is safe and scam-free.
Let’s Keep the Holidays Bright
Have questions or concerns? Stop by or contact your local M C Bank banking center. Let’s make this season one to celebrate for all the right reasons.
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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