Stay Vigilant Against Scams during the Holiday Season
Minister of Consumer Protection in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Jacqueline Bernhardt, has urged consumers to exercise caution due to the rise in fraudulent activities, particularly during the holiday season. With a surge in fake messages, WhatsApp messages, and emails promising money, the need for vigilance cannot be overstated. Wiebke Cornelius, head of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern consumer advice center, reported a substantial increase in fraud-related queries this year.
Remember these crucial rules when dealing with such messages:
- Be wary of urgent or "limited-time" offers requiring immediate action without verifying their legitimacy.
- Double-check the sender's contact information to ensure it's authentic.
- Enable 2FA on your accounts to strengthen security.
- Routinely monitor your account statements for any irregular activities.
- Refrain from sharing sensitive information with unsolicited parties.
- Consider using identity theft protection services.
- Stay informed about prevalent holiday scams, such as fake prize claims, impersonating customer service, or charity scams.
- Keep your devices and software updated to protect against automated attacks.
- Report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities and financial institutions.
- Educate yourself and others about common scams.
By adhering to these guidelines, consumers can protect themselves against monetary fraud attempts during the holiday season.
