Stay Cyber-Smart This Holiday Season
The holiday season brings joy, generosity, and, unfortunately, an increase in fraud. As online shopping, charitable donations, and digital payments spike, cybercriminals ramp up their efforts to trick people into giving up money or personal information.
At Coulee Bank, we want to help you enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday by keeping your finances secure.
Here are a few quick reminders to protect yourself:
1. Shop Smart
- Stick to trusted retailers and type website addresses directly instead of clicking on links in emails or ads.
- Watch for fake websites mimicking big brands — scammers often change just one letter in the URL to fool shoppers.
2. Be Wary of “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals
If a social media ad or marketplace listing offers a luxury item at an unbelievable discount, it’s probably a scam. Research the seller and use secure payment options like credit cards instead of wire transfers or gift cards.
3. Watch for Delivery Scams
- Scammers love sending fake “missed delivery” texts or emails with tracking links that steal your credentials.
- Always check tracking details through the official carrier website — never through unsolicited messages.
4. Give Wisely
- Fraudsters often create fake charities that look legitimate. Before donating, verify the organization on sites like CharityNavigator.org or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
5. Protect Your Accounts
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for your online banking and email accounts and monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity. Coulee Bank will never call, text, or email asking for your password or one-time code.
By staying alert and taking a few precautions, you can keep your money and information safe while focusing on what really matters this season — celebrating with family and friends.
From all of us at Coulee Bank, have a safe and happy holiday season!