Beware of Black Friday Scams
November 27, 2024
A Guide to Staying Safe During Holiday Shopping
Black Friday stands out as a day of extraordinary deals and discounts, and while shoppers eagerly hunt for bargains, fraudsters are at work just as hard. During the Holiday season, fraudulent texts, emails, and ads targeting consumers increase. These deceptive messages can be sophisticated and convincing!
At Bennington State Bank, we want to keep you and your personal information safe. Here’s how to recognize and avoid common Black Friday scams so you can shop with confidence.
Common Black Friday Scams
1. Fake Delivery Notifications:
Scammers send text messages or emails about a “missed delivery” or “additional shipping fees.” These messages often include a link requesting credit card information to ensure your package is delivered on time. Be wary-legitimate delivery services rarely request sensitive information in this manner.
2. Compromised Online Retailers:
Smaller or lesser-known online stores are sometimes targeted by cybercriminals who install digital skimming software into checkout systems. This malware steals your payment information without your knowledge, making it crucial to shop only on trusted and reputable websites. Check your bank account regularly to catch unauthorized transactions.
3. Malvertising:
Short for malicious advertising, this scam uses fake online ads or sponsored search results to spread malware. This is a popular threat because the attacker doesn’t need personal information such as your email address or login details to commit the scam. All it takes is for the victim to click on an ad that appears legitimate, whether it’s on a website or in a search result.
4. Holiday Sweepstakes Scams:
Fraudsters often advertise fake holiday sweepstakes with offers of prizes like free vacation getaways, expensive electronics or gift cards. These scams are designed to collect personal details or financial information under the guise of a prize claim.
5. Amazon Gift Card and Fake Purchase Scams
Watch out for text messages claiming you’ve won Amazon gift cards or prizes. These texts may include a link to a fake prize claim page where fraudsters ask for your personal information or payment details. Similarly, emails claiming that a purchase you didn’t make is being processed and charged to your Amazon account may pressure you into clicking links or responding with personal details.
Falling victim to fraud isn’t something we leave to chance at Bennington State Bank. In today’s digital world, fraudsters always look for ways to trick people into giving up personal information. Protect yourself by staying vigilant, and never click on links sent to you in “urgent” text, emails, or websites.
Common Text Scams to Watch Out For:
🔒 “You’ve made a big purchase, and you need to confirm it.”
Scammers send fake alerts claiming you’ve made an expensive purchase. They’ll ask you to click a link to verify or cancel the purchase.
🔒 “You must confirm a package being delivered to your house.”
Receiving a text about an unexpected package can create confusion, and scammers rely on this, hoping you’ll click a link to ‘verify’ the delivery.
🔒 “You’ve won a great prize, and you need to redeem it.”
Texts announcing unexpected winnings, like gift cards or vacations, can seem exciting. But this is a common way for scammers to obtain your personal information.
How to Spot a Scam
While these messages might look official, there are ways to tell if they’re scams:
- Check the source – Is it coming from a number or email address you don’t recognize or does the website URL match the company’s name?
- Look for errors – Many frauds contain typos or awkward phrasing.
- Beware of urgency – If the message demands immediate action or threatens consequences, it’s likely a scam.
- Avoid links and attachments – Always visit the official website by typing the URL into your browser, rather than clicking on a link in a text, email, or on a website.
Steps to Take If you believe you’ve fallen victim to an impersonation scam
- Don’t engage– Don’t respond to the text, or emails or engage with the sender or website in any way.
- Contact your bank– It’s important to act quickly and contact Bennington State Bank immediately to report the potential fraud and safeguard your accounts.
- Act quickly– Time is critical when addressing fraud. Taking prompt action can help minimize potential damage.
Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers
Fraud is an evolving threat, but by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from malicious scams. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to verify any suspicious communication before taking action.
At Bennington State Bank, your security is our top priority. Visit our fraud prevention page to learn more about how to keep your accounts and personal information safe.
By staying aware of these common scams, you can confidently protect your financial information from falling into the wrong hands.
Stay safe and happy shopping!