Holiday Cheer, Not Holiday Fraud: How to Keep Your Finances Safe

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving. But unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts to take advantage of unsuspecting people. At Stock Yards Bank & Trust, we're committed to helping you protect yourself from fraud, especially during this time of year when online shopping and charitable donations are at their peak.

Here are some practical tips to help you avoid common holiday fraud schemes:

1.  Beware of Phishing Emails

Holiday shopping often brings an increase in emails, including shipping confirmations, sales promotions, and charity requests. Scammers are aware of this and may send fraudulent emails designed to look like they’re from legitimate companies. Be cautious of emails that ask you to click on links or provide personal information.

What to do:

• Don’t click on any links from unsolicited emails. 
• Verify the sender’s email address and look for misspelled words or odd phrasing. 
• If you’re unsure, go directly to the company’s website rather than using a link in the email.

2.  Use Secure Payment Methods

With so many online transactions during the holiday season, scammers might target your payment information. When shopping online, always ensure that your payment method is secure.

What to do:

• Only shop on trusted websites. Look for “https” in the URL, which indicates that the site is secure.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions. Use your mobile data or a private, secure connection.

3.  Watch Out for Fake Charities

The season of giving can bring out the best in people, but it also attracts fraudsters pretending to represent charitable organizations. Scammers may set up fake charities or websites that resemble legitimate ones to trick people into making donations.

What to do:

• Verify the legitimacy of any charity before donating. Websites like the Better Business Bureau can help you confirm whether a charity is legitimate. 
• Be cautious of urgent or high-pressure donation requests. 
• Don’t give out personal or financial information to anyone soliciting donations over the phone or by email without verifying their identity.

4. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Fraudsters can be sneaky, and small unauthorized charges can sometimes go unnoticed. Regularly monitoring your accounts can help you spot unusual activity quickly.

What to do:

• Set up account alerts through Stock Yards Bank & Trust online or mobile banking. You can do this under the Menu – Settings section.
• Check your statements frequently, especially during the busy holiday season. 
• Report any unauthorized transactions to Stock Yards Bank & Trust immediately.

5. Stay Alert on Social Media

Scammers also use social media platforms to trick consumers. They may promote fake giveaways, discounted holiday deals, or fraudulent charity efforts. Always be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

What to do:

• Avoid sharing personal information on social media. 
• Be skeptical of social media ads that offer huge discounts or free items, especially if they’re from unfamiliar brands. 
• Never engage with unsolicited messages that ask for financial or personal information.

6. Protect Your Personal Information

Identity theft spikes during the holiday season, with scammers attempting to steal your personal information to open new accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or commit other forms of fraud.

What to do:

• Shred sensitive documents, such as bank statements and credit card offers, before disposing of them. 
• Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, and enable two-factor authentication when possible. 
• Avoid sharing too much personal information online, even in holiday posts or messages.

At Stock Yards Bank & Trust, your security is our priority. We’re proud to serve our community, especially during the holiday season, when your focus should be on spending time with loved ones—not worrying about fraud. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can enjoy a safer, more peaceful holiday season.

If you have any concerns or questions, or if you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam or fraud attempt, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to assist you in keeping your accounts secure.

Happy holidays from all of us at Stock Yards Bank & Trust!