According to a survey data, one in three Americans have fallen victim to an online scam during the holiday season, with nearly one in ten losing more than $1,000. Scammers take advantage of higher transaction volumes, busy schedules, and last-minute deals. We want to make sure you stay informed and protect your personal and financial information during this time so you can enjoy the season with confidence.

Common Scams to Know

Vishing: Voice-based phishing scams. Fraudsters impersonate trusted organizations using fake credentials and spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.

Smishing: Text-message scams where criminals send urgent messages. These can appear as fake delivery notices, suspicious links, or account alerts to trick you into sharing personal data.

Fake Shopping Sites: Scam websites that look real but use stolen images, brand logos, and “too good to be true” pricing. Many are promoted through social media ads and have excessive pop-ups or unusual web addresses.

How These Scams Work

Scammers rely on tactics designed to push quick decisions:

• Caller ID spoofing to make numbers appear local or trustworthy
• Urgency and fear such as countdown timers for limited-time deals
• AI-generated voice imitation that can mimic family members in distress
• Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.) used to send deceptive links or impersonate retailers or delivery companies

Each tactic has a common goal of attempting to access your personal information, financial accounts, or one-time passcodes.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify unexpected calls or texts by contacting the company directly using the phone number on their official website.
2. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages even if they appear to come from a familiar organization.
3. Use your chip or tap-to-pay whenever possible to help avoid skimming devices, which occur most when your cards are swiped.
4. Shop only on trusted websites and research unfamiliar retailers before entering payment information.
5. Use secure Wi-Fi or a VPN when making online purchases.
6. Monitor your accounts and fraud alerts regularly so that you can respond quickly if something looks suspicious.
7. Never share one-time passcodes.

Fraudsters rely on distraction, urgency, and emotion. If a deal seems far too good to be true or a message feels unusual, pause and reassess. Trust your instincts and take a moment to verify to prevent long-term issues.

At Southern First, your safety is our top priority. If you receive a suspicious call, text or email, please contact our Fraud Department at 1-877-679-9646. We are here to help you stay safe this holiday season.

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