In the wake of recent data breaches, shoppers should be on high alert while purchasing their presents this holiday season.
“While millions of credit and debit card transactions are conducted safely every day, it’s important that consumers are aware of the potential for holiday scams,” said David Silverman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank.
Union Bank offers the following tips to help consumers keep their information safe whether shopping in the store or online:
- Monitor your account. Use online and mobile banking to keep an eye on your transactions, especially during the holidays. If you don’t use these electronic tools, at least diligently review your bank statement. Either way, notify the bank right away if there’s any fraudulent activity.
- Beware of phishing scams. During the holidays, criminals will create a fake email for a deal that’s too good to be true. If you click on any links within the email, you may be downloading malware onto your computer or you may be asked for payment information that could lead to fraud.
- Limit large sums of cash. Even though we’ve seen financial crime migrate from physical to cyber, customers should be careful not to carry around large sums of cash when shopping. Credit & Debit card issuers will generally make you whole if there’s fraud against your account. If cash is stolen, your money is gone.
- Secure your internet connection. If shopping online, make sure you do so from a password protected Wi-Fi network. Never access online banking from a public Wi-Fi network.
- Shop safely. Before making an online purchase, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
- Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.
Union Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Union Bankshares, Inc. (UNB, traded on the NASDAQ Exchange), has been helping people buy homes and local businesses create jobs in area communities since 1891. Headquartered in Morrisville, VT, Union Bank is a full service bank offering deposit, loan, trust and commercial banking services throughout northern Vermont and northwestern New Hampshire. Union Bank has earned an outstanding reputation for residential lending programs and is an SBA Preferred Lender.
Proud to be one of the few community banks serving Vermont and New Hampshire, Union Bank maintains a strong commitment to traditional banking values. In particular, Union Bank is dedicated to providing genuine customer service and community support, including donations to local nonprofit organizations. These values—combined with financial expertise, quality products and the latest technology—make Union Bank the premier choice for your banking services, both personal and commercial. Union Bank currently maintains 17 banking offices, 2 loan centers, and 32 ATMs. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
