--- title: Don't Let Fraud Steal the Holidays description: Protect your accounts this holiday season with simple tips to avoid fraud, scams, and phishing. Learn how to stay secure and keep your information safe. image: https://blog.united-bk.com/hubfs/Holiday%20Scam%20Blog%20Feature%20Image.png --- What can we help you find? 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[Connect](https://www.united-bk.com/connect) - [About United Bank](https://www.united-bk.com/connect/about-united-bank.html) - [The Kasasa Story](https://www.united-bk.com/connect/the-kasasa-story.html) - [Community](https://www.united-bk.com/connect/community.html) - [Blog](https://blog.united-bk.com/) - [Careers](https://www.united-bk.com/connect/careers.html) - [Locations & Hours](https://www.united-bk.com/connect/locations-hours.html) - [Contact Us](https://www.united-bk.com/connect/contact-us.html) Log In # United NWA #### Your home for easy-to-understand financial education, real-world budget hacks, and bank news from United Bank of Northwest Arkansas. # Don't Let Fraud Steal the Holidays [United Bank](https://blog.united-bk.com/author/united-bank) Dec 1, 2025 9:40:12 AM ![Holiday Scams Blog Image 1200x400](https://blog.united-bk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Holiday%20Scams%20Blog%20Image%201200x400.png?width=960&height=320&name=Holiday%20Scams%20Blog%20Image%201200x400.png) The holiday season brings family gatherings, festive celebrations, and—unfortunately—a spike in fraud attempts. Scammers know this is the time of year when people are shopping more, traveling more, and juggling a busier-than-usual schedule. That’s why staying alert and taking simple steps to secure your information is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. As you check off your holiday to-do list, make sure “protect my accounts” is near the top. 1. **Use strong, unique passwords** Your passwords are your first line of defense. Make sure each account has a unique, complex password—one that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If you’re worried about remembering them all, consider using a trusted password manager to securely store them. 1. **Secure your devices** Enable passcodes, Face ID, Touch ID, PINs, or biometric logins on your phone, tablet, and computer. If your device is ever lost or stolen, having these features enabled can prevent someone from accessing your accounts. 1. **Access your accounts safely** Only log in to online banking or bill pay when you’re on a secure Wi-Fi network. Public Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it isn’t always safe—especially when handling sensitive information like account numbers or passwords. 1. **Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA)** Whenever available, enable MFA. This second layer of security—like a text message code or app verification—makes it far more difficult for fraudsters to access your accounts, even if they have your password. 1. **Pause before you click** Phishing attempts increase during the holidays. Be cautious with texts, emails, or links that seem “off” or unexpected—even if they appear to come from a familiar business. Verify the sender, look for spelling errors, and never share personal information through email or text. 1. **Monitor your accounts closely** Check your bank and bill pay accounts regularly, especially during the busy shopping season. Set up text or email alerts for new payees or changes to payment details so you can catch suspicious activity early. 1. **Keep your software up to date** Updating your phone, computer, and antivirus software protects you against the latest security threats. Those little update notifications may not seem urgent—but they are one of your best defenses against fraud. **This holiday season, protect more than just the gifts under the tree.** By staying proactive and aware, you can keep your information safe and enjoy the season with peace of mind. If you ever notice suspicious activity on your accounts, please contact us as soon as possible at 479-756-8811. And if you need help securing your accounts, our team is here for you.   [United Bank](https://blog.united-bk.com/tag/united-bank) ## Read On ### [Using the 50/20/30 Rule to Take Control of Your Finances How many times have you been overwhelmed by your finances? It happens to all of us. However, there...](https://blog.united-bk.com/using-the-50/20/30-rule-to-take-control-of-your-finances) ### [The Easiest Way to Create an Emergency Fund (Without Touching Your Paycheck) Creating an emergency fund has a ton of benefits, most of which you’ve probably heard before… it...](https://blog.united-bk.com/the-easiest-way-to-create-an-emergency-fund) ### [Kasasa - The Easy Way to Save! People have a near-immediate response when I mention the idea of saving money. For some, that...](https://blog.united-bk.com/kasasa-the-easy-way-to-save) - [Lost or Stolen Card](https://www.united-bk.com/connect/contact-us.html#lost-or-stolen-card) - [Calculators](https://www.united-bk.com/manage/tools/financial-calculators.html) - [Routing Number](https://www.united-bk.com/manage/tools/routing-number.html) - [Loan Payment](https://smartpay.profitstars.com/express/United%20Bank%20SPE) - [Home Loan Quote](https://info.united-bk.com/home-loan-quote) ## **Dream Big.** Bank Local. - [Privacy Policy](https://blog.united-bk.com/hubfs/UnitedBank_April2020/Docs/privacy-policy.pdf) - [Kasasa® Cycle Dates](https://blog.united-bk.com/hubfs/Kasasa%20Qualification%20Cycle%20Dates%202022.pdf) - [AudioEye Accessibility](https://www.united-bk.com/audioeye-accessibility-statement.html) - [Careers](https://www.united-bk.com/connect/careers.html) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/unitedbanknwa/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/UnitedBankNWA) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/unitedbanknwa/) ### **Follow** Us [Member FDIC](https://www.fdic.gov) Equal Housing Lender © 2022 United Bank. 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