The holiday season should be filled with joy—not stress. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when scammers try to take advantage of busy shoppers, generous givers, and hardworking small businesses.
At Planters First Bank, your security is our priority. To help keep you and your business protected, we’ve rounded up the top fraud schemes we see spike each holiday season, plus helpful tips to stay safe.
1. Business Account Takeover Attempts
Cybercriminals look for ways to access business accounts through phishing emails, stolen login credentials, or compromised vendor relationships. Once inside, they can move funds, update payroll info, or make unauthorized transfers.
Stay Safe: Enable multi-factor authentication, verify any unexpected email requests, and regularly review your account activity.
2. Wire Fraud & Imposter Requests
Fraudsters often impersonate a bank, employee, or executive—especially during busy year-end operations—to request urgent wire transfers or payment changes.
Stay Safe: Always confirm payment or wire changes through a known phone number, not an email.
3. Social Media Marketplace Scams
From “too good to be true” gift deals to fake event tickets, scammers use Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, and TikTok shops to lure shoppers into paying for items that never arrive.
Stay Safe: Only buy from verified sellers and avoid transactions that require peer-to-peer payments with strangers.
4. Fake Refund or “Overpayment” Scams
These schemes often start with a message claiming you’re owed a refund—or that you were accidentally overpaid. The scammer then asks for your account information or directs you to “return” the money.
Stay Safe: Legitimate businesses will never ask for banking credentials or demand you send money to correct their mistakes.
5. Package Theft (“Porch Pirates”)
With more shipments arriving in November and December, stolen packages become a major headache for families and businesses.
Stay Safe: Track deliveries, consider requiring signatures, and use secure pickup options when possible.
6. Delivery Notification Scams
Scammers send texts or emails that look like USPS, UPS, or FedEx alerts, urging you to click a link and “reschedule delivery” or “verify your address.” These links often lead to credential-stealing sites.
Stay Safe: Go directly to the carrier’s official website instead of clicking on unfamiliar links.
7. Clone Website & Look-Alike Shopping Scams
Fraudsters create professional-looking websites that mimic major brands, offering huge discounts to get shoppers’ card information. Once you pay, the order never arrives—or your card is compromised.
Stay Safe: Double-check URLs, look for “https,” and avoid sites with spelling errors or a lack of customer support history.
8. Fake Charity & Giving Scams
During the season of giving, fake charities pop up online to collect donations that never reach real causes.
Stay Safe: Verify charities through trusted sources and never donate through random links or cash apps.
9. Gift Card Payment Scams
Scammers posing as a boss, friend, or company often instruct victims to buy gift cards as payment or for “urgent situations.”
Stay Safe: No legitimate business or bank will ever request gift card payments.
10. Holiday Job Scams
Fake seasonal job postings may ask applicants for upfront fees or personal information.
Stay Safe: Research employers and never pay to apply for a job.
How Planters First Bank Protects You
We monitor accounts for unusual activity, invest in secure digital banking tools, and provide local support when you need it most. If something ever feels off, our team is here to help.
If You Suspect Fraud
Contact your local Planters First Bank banking center immediately or visit our Online Security Center for resources and support. Trust your instincts—if it sounds suspicious, it probably is.