Fraud Watch November 2023: Keeping Your Protected from Holiday Scams

It’s the holiday season! And that means every grinch is pulling overtime. Here are some common holiday scams, how they work, and how to keep yourself and your money protected.

Top 3 Ways to Keep Your Money Safe:

1. Do not give your login credentials to anyone — including anyone claiming to be from BankSouth.
2. Don’t share your personal information or account numbers. BankSouth and other financial institutions will never ask for your account number, personal information, or login credentials over the phone or email.
3. Avoid clicking on any links in any unsolicited emails or text messages. When in doubt, don’t click.

Order Confirmation Scam

With more and more people turning to online shopping, shoppers are getting more order confirmation emails and text messages than ever. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the easy opportunity to send phishing emails and text messages with malicious links to capture your personal information. Don’t fall for it.

How to Avoid This Scam:

To securely track your purchases, it’s best to monitor the seller’s official website or mobile application.

Hot Deal Scam

Scammers are known to take advantage of scarcity tactics by offering popular products on fake websites. They trick you into ordering popular products, such as the season’s most desired electronics and toys, that will never be sent to you.

How to Avoid This Scam:

Do your research. Utilize the Better Business Bureau website for legitimate customer reviews of products, businesses, and official websites. Online review sites are not always trustworthy sources.

Fake Charity Scam

The season of giving tends to bring out the best in everyone, but that also brings out the fake charities asking for your donation. Scammers often pretend to be from reputable organizations, but all they really want to do is take your money.

How to Avoid This Scam:

• Never give to a charity that calls you directly. If you decide to give to a charity over the phone, verify the phone number from the charity’s official website.
• Do not click on any unsolicited emails or text messages. Fraudsters are known to spread malware with malicious links.
• Do not trust all social media or advertisements. Verify all charity organizations by contacting them directly before giving online, by phone, or by text.

Stay Protected From Scams

We see fraud attempts almost every day. While we do our best to keep every customer protected, there are ways you can prevent fraud from happening to you.

Stay one step ahead and bookmark our help article on avoiding and reporting scams. We update this article regularly to keep you in the know of the latest scams.

• Recently reported scams
• Tips to avoid scams
• How to report a scam
• What we WILL and WILL NOT ask for to verify your identity

More tips to avoid fraud can be found here.

Looking for an Extra Layer of Protection for Your Checking Account?

Protect yourself with Complete Checking with identity theft protection included! Complete Checking is our premier checking account that offers value, increased security, and special discounts. Contact your local branch to upgrade your account or if you’re new to BankSouth, open your account online!

Source of scam information: mcafee.com