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This holiday season, it is more important than ever to bank safely and protect your personal information in a digital environment. Here are 12 tips to help you navigate the holiday safely.

Day 1 – Enjoy Safe Gifting

Remember to shop safely during the holidays! Only use trusted, secure websites when shopping online or with your mobile device. A secure URL should begin with “https” rather than “http.” The “s” in “https” stands for secure, indicates the site is using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate. This lets you know your communication and data is encrypted as it passes from your browser to the website's server.

Day 2 – Don’t Save This Season

Don’t save credit or debit card information online or to devices when purchasing that perfect gift or making holiday plans!

Day 3 – Warm Wi-Fi Warnings

Avoid using public Wi-Fi when traveling to grandma’s house or strolling through the mall this year. Public Wi-Fi is not secure!

Day 4 – Holiday Jam Not Spam

Watch out for holiday spam. Beware of unsolicited emails, text messages and phone calls looking to trick you into action. If you don’t know the sender, don’t click! If no caller ID, let the call go to voicemail.

Day 5 – Mischief Is for Elves

Monitor your bank account and credit card usage carefully during this holiday season to make sure no mischief is going on. Report any suspicious activity immediately.

Day 6 – Planes, Trains, or Sleds

Take a quick moment to notify the bank of your travel plans so your credit and debit cards are not flagged for possible fraudulent activity and usage is not interrupted.

Day 7 – ‘Tis the Season for Alerts

Make it easy to monitor your accounts. It just takes a few minutes to set up account and debit card notifications. Get alert notifications by email or text wherever you are this holiday season.

Day 8 – Password Peace

Give yourself a peace of mind that your online accounts are safe.  Never share your passwords. Update them about every 90 days and create strong passwords using a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.

Day 9 – Watch Out for Scrooges

This holiday season play it safe: stay aware of your surroundings while in public places and when visiting an ATM for last minute cash.

Day 10 – Avoid the Holiday Rush

Last minute deals can be tempting! Never feel pressured into making a purchase or sending money. Verify any contact that is offering you a limited-time offer or a deal that is too good to be true.

Day 11 – Don’t Get Snowed by Phishing

Watch out for scammers posing as CNB employees trying to get information or trick you into taking an action. CNB will never ask you for your login information, passwords. Never share online banking credentials and if the request seems suspicious, please hang up and call the bank directly.

Day 12 – Start the New Year Right

As we close out the year, we encourage you to take time review all of the online shopping accounts you  have created over the holidays to make sure you still need them.  If not, close them out and delete any personal information you may have shared with them. 

CNB wishes everyone a safe, bright, and happy holiday season!

Looking for more banking tips? Check out our Digital Banking Tools series.