The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and – let’s face it, plenty of online shopping. While you’re busy hunting for the perfect gifts and enjoying festive sales, cybercriminals are also on the lookout – for ways to steal your personal and financial information.

At Queensborough, we’re committed to keeping you and your finances secure. Here are some essential tips to protect yourself online during the holidays.

Shop Securely

• Stick to reputable websites. Always type the website address directly into your browser instead of clicking on links from emails or ads. Look for https:// and the padlock symbol in the URL to ensure the site is secure.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions. If you’re shopping on the go, use a secure, private network or your mobile data instead of free public Wi-Fi.

Watch for Phishing Scams

• Beware of fake deals. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Cybercriminals often use fake websites or emails to lure you into sharing sensitive information.
• Verify emails and texts. Scammers often impersonate banks or retailers. Check for misspellings, unfamiliar sender addresses, and generic greetings like “Dear Customer”. When in doubt, contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website.

Protect Your Devices

• Keep your software up to date. Ensure your operating system, apps, and antivirus software are updated regularly to stay protected against the latest threats.
• Use strong passwords. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters to create a unique password for each account.

Monitor Your Accounts

• Review transactions frequently. Keep an eye on your account statements for any unauthorized charges. The sooner you spot unusual activity, the quicker we can help resolve it.
• Set up alerts. Enable account notifications through Online, Business or Mobile Banking to get updates on your transactions.

Be Careful with Gift Cards

• Only buy from trusted sources. Scammers often sell fake or tampered gift cards on third-party websites. Stick to reputable retailers.
• Don’t share gift card information. Once you’ve purchased a gift card, treat it like cash. Sharing the card number or PIN with others could lead to theft.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Add an extra layer of security. Many online retailers and banking apps offer 2FA, requiring both your password and a code sent to your phone or email to access your account.

Stay Educated

• Know the latest scams. Keep yourself informed about the new cyber threats. At Queensborough, we regularly update our blog with tips and alerts to help you stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Queensborough Is Here to Help.

Your safety is our priority. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, contact us immediately. Together, we can make this holiday season safe, secure, and stress-free.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Queensborough!