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The holidays are a time for reflection, joy, and family. Unfortunately, they’re also a time for falling victim to scams. As online shopping increases in anticipation of the holiday season, so do scammer’s efforts to take advantage of consumers.

Here at Middlefield Bank, we want to help our customers stay safe so they can enjoy a scam-free holiday season, so we’ve put together a few practical tips to help you stay vigilant against the ever-present threat of scammers.

1. Fake Delivery Notices

The scam: You receive a text or email claiming your package couldn’t be delivered. It includes a link to “reschedule” or “track” your shipment.

The reality: These messages often mimic legitimate carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS — but the links lead to phishing sites designed to steal your personal or financial information.

How to stay safe:

• Don’t click on links from unknown senders.
• Go directly to the carrier’s official website to track packages.
• Enable delivery notifications through trusted retailer apps.

2. Gift Card Scams

The scam: You’re asked to buy gift cards and send the codes, oftentimes by someone impersonating a boss, friend, or even a local charity.

The reality: Once the scammer has the code, your money is gone. These scams are common because gift cards are hard to trace and easy to spend.

How to stay safe:

• Never send gift card codes via email or text.
• Be skeptical of urgent requests, especially when they involve secrecy.
• Verify any unusual requests through a separate communication channel, such as a phone call or email.

3. Fake Retailers & “Too Good to Be True” Deals

The scam: You find a website offering deep discounts on popular items — but after you pay, the product never arrives.

The reality: Fraudulent websites often pop up during the holidays, often making use of stolen branding and fake reviews to try and seem legitimate.

How to stay safe:

• Stick to well-known retailers. If you do use unfamiliar ones, verify them through reviews and BBB ratings.
• Look for “https” in the URL and avoid sites with spelling errors or poor design.
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards for added fraud protection.

4. Public Wi-Fi Pitfalls

The scam: You’re shopping online at a coffee shop or airport, unaware that someone nearby is intercepting your data.

The reality: Public Wi-Fi networks are prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals looking to steal login credentials and payment info.

How to stay safe:

• Avoid making purchases or entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
• If you must connect while traveling, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
• Do your shopping from secure, private networks whenever possible.

5. Charity Scams

The scam: You’re asked to donate to a holiday fundraiser that tugs at your heartstrings — but it’s not a real charity.

The reality: Scammers exploit generosity during the holidays, often using fake websites or high-pressure tactics.

How to stay safe:

• Research charities through sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.
• Avoid donating through unsolicited emails or social media messages.
• Give directly through official charity websites.

Final Tips for a Scam-Free Season

• Monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
• Enable alerts for unusual transactions or login attempts.
• Report scams to your bank and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

At Middlefield Bank, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most. If you suspect fraud or need help securing your accounts, don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a safe, joyful, and scam-free holiday season!