Hi, folks...just reminding folks that along with shopping, deals and your holiday plans for good times with friends and family come no goodniks who are looking for a way into your finances with email, online scams and texts, which are worst at this time of year.

Reviewgeek published a good list of the most common methods of fraud here.

The several types are:

• Delivery confirmation text scams
• The fake calls from Amazon, Apple, or Walmart, etc.
• "Secret Sister" and Secret Santa Gift exchanges.
• Other assorted scams (several)

I won't go into each as that would be a spoiler...the article in the (safe) link above and in the external link does an excellent job of describing them, and giving some tips on how to avoid them. The link to password managers is kosher, also:

"In closing, use common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And remember, nothing is free.

You’ll want to be hesitant about unknown or wanted calls, texts, or emails. Don’t share your personal or banking information with sites you don’t know and trust. Research any retailers you don’t know. Never click on random links, no matter where they come from. Be wary of anything that sounds suspicious, and include a gift card. More importantly, use a credit card whenever possible for all the added protections.

Another idea is to make a list and check it twice. Check your debit/credit card purchases and account statements throughout the holiday season to ensure everything is accurate. If anything looks suspicious, act quickly. And recheck it after the holidays for good measure.

Finally, consider using a password manager along with two-factor authentication for online shopping and account logins. I know it sounds harsh, but if you don’t know the person or store, be skeptical of just about everything during the holidays." 

-Cory Gunther, Staff Writer, ReviewGeek

And please...have yourselves great holidays...New Years, Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, whatever. 

Just please be safe, and be well and happy!