Finance Tip: Protect Yourself From Holiday Fraud

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Protect Yourself: Avoid Holiday Fraud with These Tips from Kennebec Savings Bank

The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and connection, but it’s also a time when fraudsters ramp up their efforts to scam unsuspecting individuals. At Kennebec Savings Bank, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your financial security during this festive season. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud, what we’ll never ask for, and the tools we provide to keep you safe.

Top Holiday Fraud Prevention Tips

Be Wary of Holiday Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
Scammers often lure shoppers with fake discounts or promotions. Always verify the legitimacy of a website before entering your payment information. Stick to well-known retailers and look for "https://" in the website address.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to overlook unauthorized charges. Use Kennebec Savings Bank’s Digital Banking to review your transactions frequently. Report any suspicious activity immediately.

3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions
Shopping or checking your bank account over public Wi-Fi can expose you to cybercriminals. Use a secure, private connection or a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing sensitive information.

4. Beware of Phishing Attempts
Fraudsters often send fake emails or text messages claiming to be from trusted institutions, offering holiday deals or requesting your account information. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

5. Enable Alerts for Your Accounts
Kennebec Savings Bank offers customizable alerts to notify you of transactions, low balances, or login attempts. These alerts can act as your first line of defense against fraud.

What Banks Will Never Ask For

Fraudsters often impersonate banks to gain access to your information. At Kennebec Savings Bank, we prioritize your security and want you to know that we will never:

Request Personal Information or Your Online Credentials
Kennebec Savings Bank will never contact you and ask for sensitive personal information such as your PIN, password, or Social Security number. If you receive a request for this information, it is likely fraudulent. Always keep your personal details private and secure.
Send Links to Verify Your Account via Email or Text
Any request for you to click a link to verify your account or update your personal information is likely fraudulent. If you receive such a request, contact us directly to verify its authenticity.
Demand Immediate Action Under Threat
Scammers often use scare tactics, like claiming your account will be locked unless you act immediately. Remember, Kennebec Savings Bank will never pressure you in this way.
Ask for Your Debit or Credit Card Number Over the Phone
If someone claiming to be from Kennebec Savings Bank asks for sensitive card details over the phone, hang up and call us at 207-622-5801 to report the incident.

How to Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter a suspicious message, phone call, or transaction:

Do not respond or engage.
Contact Kennebec Savings Bank immediately. Our team is here to help you confirm the legitimacy of the communication.
Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Stay Vigilant This Holiday Season

The holidays should be a time to focus on family, friends, and celebration—not stress about financial security. By following these tips, leveraging the tools and services we provide, and staying aware of common fraud tactics, you can enjoy peace of mind this season.

If you have questions or concerns about your account, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kennebec Savings Bank. We’re here to protect what matters most to you.