At Partners Bank, we care about your financial security. We want to make sure you are equipped with valuable knowledge in your arsenal so you can have a successful and safe holiday shopping experience.

Here are important shopping security tips to help you avoid scams while you’re buying holiday gifts this season. Read the following tips before you transfer money from your account or swipe, tap, or insert your card:

1. When purchasing gift cards in person, ensure they are sealed and haven’t been tampered with before you purchase them. Scammers will open the packaging to obtain the gift card information, wait for a customer to load money onto the card, and then use the gift card to make a purchase before the customer notices.
2. Purchase from reputable websites. Ensure the website you are shopping on is a legitimate business. Do some research on the company before you make a purchase. Additionally, make sure:

• https:// is in the URL when shopping online, and
• the company name is spelled correctly.

3. Avoid shopping on a public Wi-Fi network. When shopping online, use a secure, private internet connection rather than public Wi-Fi to protect personal and payment information. Some hackers can access your computer when it’s connected to a public Wi-Fi, giving them the opportunity to steal your personal information.
4. Stay alert for phishing emails. Avoid clicking on links in emails claiming to offer holiday deals. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website.
5. Watch for fake delivery notices. Scammers often send fake notifications (via text, email, or phone call) claiming you owe fees to receive a package. Verify directly with the retailer or delivery service in person or by calling a verified phone number from their official website.
6. When buying from consumer-to-consumer (C2C) websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp, do not transfer money if the seller is asking for a deposit to hold the item before you meet in person. This is a scammer, and they will stop responding or block you after you’ve wired them the “deposit.” You will never receive the item nor your money back.
7. Beware of sellers who pressure you. This high-pressure tactic is used by scammers to get you to make quick decisions based on emotion. Instead, take your time to research and use logic to make purchases.
8. Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Err on the side of caution if your gut is telling you something or someone is off. Losing your hard-earned money is not worth the risk of snagging a good deal.
9. When in doubt, talk to a trusted family member or friend. Consult someone before you make a big purchase. Ask them to double check the legitimacy of the website, seller, item, and price.
10. Monitor your bank statements for unauthorized transactions. Regularly check your accounts, especially during the holiday season. If you see any suspicious activity, call the Partners Bank Customer Care Center at 1-888-226-5747 or 1-207-324-2285.