International Fraud Awareness Week, November 17-23, arrives just before the season of giving as a reminder to keep fraudsters out of your wallet.

During this busy shopping period, fraudsters are given increased opportunities to steal your money. The convenience of online shopping can come at a cost if you don’t handle your transactions carefully.

While scams rely on tricks that lead to action being taken, such as clicking a harmful link in a phishing email, fraud typically occurs without a victim’s knowledge. If your money or identity is stolen because of fraudulent activity, you might not realize it immediately. With access to the right information, impostors can pretend to be you or someone you trust. They could even attempt to create new accounts with your name and personal data.

Prevent fraud when shopping online by:

• Not making purchases, or sharing personal information, on a public Wi-Fi connection. Public Wi-Fi networks pose security risks that could lead to data interception.
• Looking for a padlock icon or “https” at the beginning of the URL to ensure that the website is secured with a digital certificate. This means that any information sent between your browser and the website is protected through secure protocols.
• Not clicking on a product from an online ad. If interested in the advertised product, go directly to the company’s official website.
• Questioning unfamiliar texts or email messages that appear to be from shipping companies such as USPS, UPS or FedEx. Fraudsters pretend there is an issue with your package or a missed delivery. If you can’t tell if the message is authentic and are advised to click a link or call a number, go directly to the shipping company’s website and contact the official customer service line instead.
• Verifying any requests for donations and researching charities to ensure they are authentic.
• Being suspicious of gift card offers or wire transfer requests as a payment method.
• Reviewing your financial account statements regularly to ensure there aren’t unauthorized transactions or discrepancies.

If you find out you’re a victim of fraud:

• Notify your bank or credit institution immediately. They should have a process for handling fraud and for taking the necessary steps to protect your account(s) moving forward.
• Remember to check the security of all linked accounts. For example, if you have fraudulent insurance claims that appear or unauthorized transactions in your HSA, this means the insurance company and HSA provider should also be notified.
• Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. If available, place a fraud alert on your file to prevent impostors from opening accounts and accessing your personal information.
• Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Social Security Administration (SSA) and your local police department of your fraud exposure.
• Update your passwords for all digital and online accounts and ensure your computer has the latest anti-virus software.

International Fraud Week was established in 2000 by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to raise fraud awareness. With the growing number of realistic scams and disinformation, the internet can be full of fraudulent tricks. Staying aware can safeguard your money and identity, helping you enjoy the holidays fraud-free.