Protect Yourself Shopping This Holiday Season

TopLine Financial Credit Union is committed to arming you with the tools and information you need to protect yourself. Check out the most common financial scams and learn how to recognize the warning signs to avoid being a victim while shopping this holiday season.

Make sure an online store is secure.

Never buy anything online using your credit card from a site that doesn't have SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed - at the very least. You'll know if the site has SSL because the URL for the site will start with HTTPS - instead of just HTTP.

Use caution on public Wi-Fi.

Only connect to known WiFi networks – Beware of WiFi network names that have typos, extra characters, or no password protection. Click here to learn more.

Update Your Antivirus Software.

Make sure that your computer security software installs updates regularly. And make sure your operating system is also up to date. Click here to learn more.

Stay “in bounds”.

Criminals want to take communications with you "out of bounds" to strip away any protection that sales platforms offer. For example, on eBay, don't accept the invitation of bidding "out of the platform" by email or SMS. It can be tempting to avoid commissions taken by some platforms, but it is worth saving a few pennies compared to potentially losing a lot more to a fraudulent transaction. Learn more.

Avoid Charity Scams.

The holidays are an important time to give to those in need, but many people will take advantage of this. Watch for spoofed or fake phone numbers that look real, copycat organization names, sweepstake promises. You'll notice a big uptick in the number of emails, letters and phone calls you receive from charitable organizations. Use caution — and don't give credit card information if a charity calls you. Instead, do homework, and if you wish to give, contact a charity directly. Learn more.

Check your statements and credit regularly.

The holidays are a busy time, it can be easy to miss a stray transaction. Look over all your transactions so that you can spot any that may look unfamiliar, no matter how small the amount. This can help stop what could otherwise be long-term fraud. Click here to learn more.

For more information on financial scams, be sure to check out TopLine’s Financial Scams page to learn more and stay up to date on how to protect yourself. Also be sure to check out the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) who frequently updates their list on scams that consumers may fall victim to. Spot a scam? Report it to keep yourself and others safe.