Avoiding Holiday Scams as You Shop > Civista Bank

With the holiday season comes an uptick in shopping opportunities. This year, you'll find endless ways to spend your money. From Black Friday deals to Cyber Monday savings and everything in between, there are plenty of ways to save on gifts for friends, family members, and even your secret Santa at work.

Key Takeaways:

• Don't click on unknown links.
• Watch out for deals that sound too good to be true.
• Use a card with purchase protection.
• Use your device's digital wallet for secure payments.
• Monitor your account activity and statements.
• Set up debit card controls and alerts.

It's easy to get caught up in the season of giving. Scammers know that people are looking for deals and will do anything they can to take advantage of shoppers. Check out these five tips for avoiding holiday scams this year as you shop and have a happy, stress-free holiday season.

1. Don't Click on Unknown Links

You've likely seen them-emails promising unbelievable deals on must-have holiday gifts. While the offers may look tempting, scammers often use these tactics to trick you into clicking on fake links. These fraudulent websites may appear identical to legitimate retailers, but they're designed to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.

What to Do

Before clicking any link, hover over it to check the URL. Look for misspellings or unfamiliar web addresses, which are clear red flags. For the safest shopping experience, go directly to the retailer's website by typing the URL into your browser.

2. Watch Out for Deals That Sound Too Good to Be True

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure shoppers with rock-bottom prices on items from unfamiliar websites or third-party sellers, only to take your payment without delivering the product.

What to Do

Before you hit "buy," do your homework. Look up reviews and check the seller's reputation. A quick search of the business name on the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker can also reveal any fraud reports associated with the company.

3. Use a Card with Purchase Protection

When shopping online, using a debit or credit card with built-in purchase protection is one of the easiest ways to safeguard your money. For example, your Civista Debit Mastercard^® comes with Zero Liability Protection, meaning you won't be held responsible for unauthorized purchases¹. Additionally, your card is monitored by Civista FraudEYE, a 24/7 program that alerts you to suspicious activity.

What to Do

Enroll in Civista FraudEYE by texting 'CIVISTA' to 47334 for fraud alerts via text. Plus, whenever possible, opt for secure payment methods like your Civista Debit Mastercard^® for an added layer of protection.

4. Use Your Device's Digital Wallet for Secure Payments

If you're looking for the highest level of security during checkout, consider using your device's digital wallet. Apple Pay^® and Google Pay™ generate a unique virtual card number for each transaction, keeping your real card information hidden from merchants and reducing the risk of fraud.

How to Set it Up

To add your Civista Debit Mastercard^® to your digital wallet, simply:

1. Open the wallet app on your smartphone.
2. Follow the prompts to scan your card or enter the details manually.
3. Once added, use your device for secure, contactless payments anywhere they're accepted, both in-store and online.

Don't forget to make your Civista Debit Mastercard^® your default card.

5. Monitor Your Account Activity and Statements

Even with the best precautions, it's essential to keep a close eye on your accounts throughout the holiday season. Civista's Digital Banking platform allows you to easily track all your transactions in one place, even linking accounts from other financial institutions².

What to Do

Set up account alerts to notify you of suspicious activity, or if your balance falls below a certain threshold. You can also enroll in eStatements for faster access to your statements while reducing the risk of identity theft that comes with traditional mail.

Bonus Tip: Set Up Debit Card Controls & Alerts

For an extra layer of protection this holiday season, take advantage of Civista Debit Card Controls & Alerts. These controls let you set custom limits, restrict merchants, and lock or unlock your card instantly. Plus, receive alerts via email or text to track transactions and detect fraud early.

What to Do

Enroll in Civista Debit Card Controls & Alerts within Civista Digital Banking under Manage Cards > Debit Card Services & Controls. You'll be able to:

• Turn your card on or off instantly if it's lost or stolen.
• Set spending limits to help stick to your holiday budget.
• Restrict transactions by merchant type, location, or purchase amount.
• Receive alerts when your card is used.

This added layer of control ensures that you're always in the driver's seat when it comes to your debit card security and holiday spending.

The holidays are a busy time, and it can be easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of it all and lose track of your spending. If you're not careful, you could fall victim to scammers who will do anything they can to steal your money and identity. Don't click on unknown links, watch out for deals that sound too good to be true, and monitor your accounts. With these tips you can enjoy the season without falling victim to a holiday scam.