Ted Shin | Information Security Officer/VP | Customer Education

Tips to Avoid Holiday Shopping Scams

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, shopping! However, it's also a prime time for scammers to take advantage of the holiday shopping rush. At Georgia Banking Company (GBC), we want to make sure your holiday shopping experience is safe and secure. Here are some helpful tips to avoid holiday shopping scams.

Use Your GBC Mobile App

Your first defense against identity theft and fraud is to pay close attention to your financial records. Be sure to check your bank statements and credit card transactions often. Using your GBC mobile app is easy and quick, and you can see transactions in real-time, making it easier to spot suspicious activity. Contact GBC immediately if you notice any charges you didn't make.

GBC will never ask for your personal information, including your Social Security number, account number, or online banking credentials, via phone calls, emails, or text messages.

Know How Much Items Should Cost

When shopping online, you should have a general sense of how much the items you want to purchase should cost. Knowing the purchase price makes you a savvy shopper and helps you identify deals too good to be true. If an online store offers prices that seem unusually low, it could be a red flag. You might end up with counterfeit goods, or worse, nothing at all. A little research can go a long way in protecting you from scams.

Make a Cybersecurity List and Check It Twice

Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by following these cybersecurity tips:

• Protect each account with a unique, complex password at least 12 characters long. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of security to any account that allows it.
• Turn on automatic updates or install updates as soon as they are available to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Identify and report phishing attempts to your provider. Be cautious of emails or messages that ask for personal information.

Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is convenient but needs to be more secure. Avoid online shopping or accessing important accounts while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must shop online while away from your home or work network, use a VPN (virtual private network) or a mobile hotspot to protect your data.

Beware of Grinch Bots

Last year saw a record number of "Grinch Bots" - automated programs that buy up popular items to resell at a higher price. Buying from these resellers increases your risk of fraud and counterfeit goods. The best way to combat Grinch Bots is to buy only from verified vendors and avoid purchasing from resale markets.

Share Only What Is Necessary

When purchasing online, be cautious about how much personal information you share. Only fill out the required fields and avoid sharing more than necessary. Consider shopping elsewhere if a retailer asks for more information than you're comfortable providing. These tips are not just for the holiday season but are good practices to follow year-round.

By using GBC's digital banking services, you have tools at your fingertips to enjoy a safer online shopping experience. Have a "Cyber" safe holiday and happy shopping from all of us at Georgia Banking Company!