CSB Blog

International Fraud Awareness Week is here! During the week of November 17^th through the 23^rd Clinton Savings Bank, along with other institutions and organizations worldwide, spread anti-fraud awareness and education to help minimize the impact of fraud.

The best way to avoid fraud is to be aware of what scams are out there so you are less apt to fall victim to one. Here are some common holiday scams:

• Gift Card Scams: Budgets can become tight during the holidays, so any financial relief is welcome. You may, however, come across emails or pop-up ads offering gift cards. Be wary of these tempting opportunities. During the process, scammers will ask for your personal and/or financial information and then use that information to perpetrate fraud.
• Charity Scams: Charity scams can take place online and even over the phone. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers will rush people into donating or trick them by thanking them for a donation they never made and then asking for payment. Scammers usually will not give details about where the donation is going. Always research any charity before you donate and donate through a reputable site.
• Package Delivery Scams: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns of delivery notification scam calls and texts. These text messages and calls look like they’re from a legitimate mail or package courier, such as the US Postal Service, and include a fake tracking link. The link will lead you to a website requesting personal information, or it will install malware on your phone or computer. The malware will then start stealing your information.
• Puppy Scams: Pets may make great gifts, but there's a lot you should first consider. One is the dangers of buying or adopting a pet online. You could end up with nothing at all. Fake pet sellers can lure you into thinking you're getting a furry four-legged friend, only to take your money and not deliver.
• Fake Travel Booking Sites: Nothing will ruin your holiday travel like booking a trip on a fraudulent travel booking site. When searching for travel destinations and booking travel, pop-up ads with unbelievable deals will trap your personally identifiable information leaving you stuck at home. Always be sure to use a legit booking site or go to your local travel agency.

So, how can you help prevent fraud? You can do a lot by arming yourself with knowledge – popular scams, what methods fraudsters use and the tools they use to try to trick you. Here’s a couple of other tips:

And remember, oftentimes, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Clinton Savings Bank (CSB) is not a financial advisor. Please consult with a licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. While we hope you find this content useful, it is only intended to serve as a starting point. Your next step is to speak with a qualified, licensed, professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Nothing in this article, nor in any associated resources, should be construed as financial or legal advice. Furthermore, while we have made good faith efforts to ensure that the information presented was correct as of the date the content was prepared, CSB disclaims any liability arising from the use or misuse of these materials and, by visiting this site, you agree to release CSB from any such liability. Do not rely upon the information provided in this content when making decisions regarding financial or legal matters without first consulting with a qualified, licensed professional.