The holiday season is one of our favorite times of the year at Patterson State Bank. It’s a time for family gatherings, festive celebrations, and sharing the joy of the season with others. However, it’s also a time when fraudsters become more active, looking for ways to take advantage of busy shoppers and generous donors. As your local community bank, we want to help you stay informed and safe this holiday season. Here are some common scams to watch out for, along with practical tips to protect your finances. Let’s make this season a joyful and secure one!

Look Out for Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are particularly common around the holidays. Fraudsters may send emails, texts, or even make phone calls that seem to come from trusted sources. They might claim there’s an issue with your account or offer an enticing holiday discount to get you to click a link or provide personal information.

How to Avoid Phishing Scams:

• Verify the Sender: Always double-check the sender’s email address or phone number. Scammers often use addresses that look almost identical to the real ones.
• Avoid Clicking on Links: Be cautious with links in unsolicited messages. Instead, go directly to the company’s website by typing it into your browser.
• Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive a message claiming to be from Patterson State Bank that looks suspicious, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at (985) 395-6131 We’re here to help verify any information for you.

Protect Your Payment Information Online

When shopping online, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding great deals. However, fraudsters know this too and may set up fake websites or compromise legitimate ones to steal your payment information.

Tips for Safe Online Shopping:

• Use Secure Websites: Check for “https” in the website’s URL and look for a lock symbol in the browser’s address bar. This shows that the website is encrypted and more secure.
• Stick to Well-Known Retailers: If you’re shopping on a site you haven’t used before, do a quick search to read reviews or verify its legitimacy.
• Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Purchases: Hackers can easily intercept data on public networks. Instead, use a secure, private connection when entering payment details online.

Be Cautious with Charitable Donations

The holidays are a season of giving, and many of us are eager to help those in need. Unfortunately, fraudsters often create fake charities to take advantage of people’s generosity. They might reach out through emails, phone calls, or social media, asking for donations that never reach those in need.

How to Spot and Avoid Fake Charities:

• Research Before You Donate: Before giving to a charity, especially one you’re unfamiliar with, check sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau to confirm they’re legitimate.
• Avoid Cash Donations: Using a credit card or check is safer and provides a record of your donation.
• Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics: Legitimate charities will never push you to make a donation immediately. If you feel rushed, take a step back and do some research.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Added Security

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. It requires a second form of identification, like a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Many banks and online services offer this feature to make your accounts more secure.

Benefits of Using 2FA:

• Extra Protection: Even if someone gets ahold of your password, they still won’t be able to access your account without the second form of ID.
• Simple to Set Up: At Patterson State Bank, you can easily set up 2FA through our mobile app, giving you an added layer of security with just a few taps.

Monitor Your Bank Statements Regularly

One of the simplest ways to protect your finances is by regularly checking your account activity. This helps you quickly spot any unauthorized transactions, which is especially helpful during the busy holiday season when charges can add up quickly.

Tips for Monitoring Your Accounts:

• Set Up Account Alerts: At Patterson State Bank, we offer text or email alerts to help you stay on top of any unusual account activity.
• Check Your Statements Weekly: Keeping a close eye on your transactions can help you catch any fraudulent charges early on. With Patterson’s online and mobile banking, you can check your account information 24/7.
• Report Suspicious Activity Right Away: If you spot a transaction you don’t recognize, contact us immediately. We’re here to work with you to protect your accounts and resolve any issues.

Season’s Greetings from Patterson State Bank

At Patterson State Bank, we’re committed to making sure your holiday season is as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, donating to a cause, or simply enjoying time with family, a little extra caution goes a long way in keeping your finances safe. If you ever have questions about your account security, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to help you stay informed and protected.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and fraud-free holiday season!