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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.