The holidays are busy for scammers too.

The holiday season is busy for everyone which makes it prime time for scammers.

I received an email from my bank stating that there had been attempts to sign on to my account from various IP addresses. The email looked legitimate except it stated that my accounts were blocked and asked that I click on a link to unblock them. RED FLAG! Having worked in banking, I know a bank will not ask you to click on a link to unfreeze your bank accounts. They would need to identify you.

If you receive a similar email from a bank or financial institution, DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING, even if you do business with them. If it seems to be from your bank or credit union, call or go to the bank instead. This type of email is called phishing (pronounced fishing) and that is exactly its purpose - to throw out the bait and hook whoever bites.

If you receive a phishing email,, you can forward to reportphishing@apwg.org. If you get a phishing text, forward it to SPAM (7726). For more information, go to The Federal Trade Commission's website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams

Tips on recognizing a phishing scam:

• If an email or text stresses a sense of URGENCY, such as your account will be closed, suspended, or you will have limited access, it is a telltale sign of a phishing scam. The objective is to get you to act quickly out of panic and fear before you can think rationally.

• Financial institutions will NOT ask for personal information like your social security number, debit or credit card number, mother's maiden name, or password. If they do, ask that they ask you another security question as proof of identity. They have tons such as, what was your last deposit, debit card purchase, or car loan payment amount.

• Beware of anything that asks you to click on a link.

• If communication from a company you do business with doesn't include your name, it might be a phishing scam.

Again, if you are not sure, DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING but call or visit the bank instead.
Be careful out there!