The Christmas holiday season is a time of fellowship and goodwill, but it is also a time that cyber-crooks are out in full force looking to take advantage of the giving nature of good folks. Be sure to follow these tips to avoid being a victim of Christmas-related scams. 

• Check It Twice

  • If you receive an electronic gift card, be sure to check the legitimacy with the giver prior to opening. Also, be especially wary of attachments or links.

• Buyer Beware

  • Be cautious if dealing with new or unfamiliar retail websites, especially if their prices are too good to be true. These could be malicious sites looking to steal your information.

• Don’t Share Your Location on Social Media

  • If you let everyone know that you are at grandma’s for Christmas, the bad guys will know that your house is empty. Wait to share until you get home.

• Use Public Wi-Fi Safely

  • Avoid banking, online shopping, or accessing sensitive accounts using public Wi-Fi networks (unless you are using a VPN). These public networks may not be secure and criminals may try to steal your sensitive information.