Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams

The holiday season brings joy and cheer to many, and unfortunately, also brings an influx of scammers working to steal your money and personal information. From fake charities to fraudulent online deals, it’s easy to get caught in their web.

Last year, in my role as Chair of the Senate Banking & Financial Institutions Committee, I hosted an informational hearing on how scams threaten California’s consumers, the types of scams that have become increasingly prevalent, and what we can do to protect ourselves.

Don’t let scammers ruin your holiday cheer. Take control and learn how to stay safe with these tips from California’s Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI): 

1. Don’t respond to unknown contacts – The first layer of protection can be the most important because it’s how a scammer connects with you. Never respond to calls, text messages, or emails from anyone that you don’t know. Don’t open email attachments or click any links. Don’t call phone numbers that are messaged to you or left in your voicemail.
2. Check official sources – Check credentials, verify information, and always go directly to the source. Did you get a text message from your bank asking you to call a phone number? Look up the phone number listed on your bank’s official website. Did you get a message about an undeliverable package? Go directly to your delivery service’s office, website, or call them and ask about it. Look for red flags like requests for payment with gift cards or crypto assets.
3. Take your time – Scammers love to rush you into action. By making you move too fast, they cause you to miss the red flags of a scam that you would usually notice. If you slow down, ask questions, and get more information, you might discover inconsistencies and stop yourself from becoming a victim. Ignore anyone who presents a limited time offer or asks you not to share their information with others. Try not to make any big financial decisions in a hurry.
4. Limit the information you share – Scammers want your personal information to steal your identity. They may use information bought from data brokers, stolen on the dark web, or shared on social media, website forms, phone apps, and shopping sites. If you’re sharing any information online, scammers may get access to it, so think before you share.
5. Talk to someone you trust – When you are uncertain or in a rush, you can miss important details. Talk to a friend, family member, or financial professional about your situation. Sometimes talking to another person with a different perspective will help identify the red flags that you might have missed.
6. Stay vigilant – Scammers are relentless. If one of their schemes doesn’t work, they’ll try something else. To stay safe, regularly check your financial accounts and credit reports. Look for any discrepancies and dispute them immediately. Consider freezing your credit. Delete unused online accounts and have your data removed. Shred mail and personal documents before disposing of them. Deposit important mail directly to the post office.

If you find out that you’ve been a victim of a scam, submit a complaint with DFPI. You can also call (866) 275-2677 for help verifying the license, legitimacy, and status of a financial business or professional.

If you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself from fraud or need help reporting a scam to DFPI, my office is here to help and can be reached at the contact information below. It is my honor to serve you.