Holiday Season Fraud — Protecting Your Wallet and Business from Cyber Scams

As the holidays roll in and the lights go up, it’s easy to get caught up in the joy of shopping, gifting, and celebrating. Unfortunately, this season also brings an increase in scams and cyber fraud. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are prime time for fake websites, phishing emails, and delivery scams. The Federal Trade Commission reports that holiday-related scams spike by nearly 30% compared to the rest of the year. 

Whether you’re shopping for gifts online or running a business promotion, a little awareness can go a long way. 

Watch for these red flags: 

Before making online purchases, make sure the website is secure — look for the lock icon and “https.” Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi, where your payment details can be intercepted. Business owners should ensure their payment systems and security certificates are current to protect customer data. 

Even small businesses in Hays can be targeted by cybercriminals. A single data breach or ransomware attack can lead to costly downtime and reputation loss. That’s where cyber liability insurance comes in, it can help cover recovery costs and legal fees, often at a surprisingly affordable rate. 

Scammers are also getting smarter, posing as banks, delivery companies, or local utilities. Always verify payment or personal information requests through official channels. It’s far better to double-check than regret it later. 

The holidays should bring joy, not stress. Stay alert, keep software updated, and trust your instincts. Follow local banks and businesses on social media for updates on current scams in the local area. If you’d like to review your identity theft protection or cyber liability coverage, contact us at Insurance Planning. Peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself this season.