The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and—unfortunately—a surge in fraud and scam activity. Between packed shopping days, increased online purchases, travel planning, and charitable giving, scammers know this is the perfect time to take advantage of distracted consumers. At Midwest Bank, your financial security is our priority. As you prepare for gatherings, gift-giving, and family traditions, here are smart ways to keep your information safe—and how using Tap to Pay with your Midwest Bank debit card can add an extra layer of protection.
Why Scams Increase During the Holidays
Each year, financial institutions see a rise in fraud during November and December.
Common reasons include:
• Increased shopping activity both online and in stores
• Seasonal urgency that puts consumers under time pressure
• Package tracking messages and delivery delays
• Charitable giving, which attracts fake solicitations
• Holiday travel and rental activity, which expands opportunities for fraud
Awareness is your first line of defense.
When you know the warning signs and slow down before you click, send, or pay, you greatly reduce the chance that a scammer can access your personal or financial information.
5 Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
1. Fake Package Notifications
Fraudsters send texts or emails claiming your package is delayed or needs updated delivery information.
Protect yourself:
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- Track packages through the retailer or shipper’s official website
- Avoid clicking links from unknown numbers or suspicious email addresses
2. “Too Good to Be True” Online Deals
Flash sales and limited-time offers make fake ads and shopping sites look more believable.
Red flags:
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- Prices far below competitors
- Misspelled or unusual web addresses
- No clear customer support
3. Gift Card Payment Scams
Scammers claim you owe money or must pay urgently using gift cards.
Remember: No legitimate company or government agency will request payment by gift card. If you’re unsure, contact us through our Contact Us page.
4. Charity Impersonation
Scammers create fake charities or impersonate real ones.
Be cautious:
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- Verify charities before donating
- Watch for pressure to donate immediately
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages
5. Travel & Rental Scams
Fake rental listings or misleading travel deals become more common during peak travel times.
Protect yourself:
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- Book through trusted hotel, airline, or rental platforms
- Avoid unusual payment methods
- Monitor travel-related purchases using digital alerts
Tap to Pay: A Safer Way to Shop This Season
All Midwest Bank debit cards now feature Tap to Pay technology—giving you a fast, secure way to make purchases while adding strong protection against fraud.
How Tap to Pay Helps Protect You
Tap to Pay uses tokenization, meaning your actual card number is never shared with the merchant.
It helps protect you from:
- Card skimming at gas pumps or ATMs
- Retailer data breaches
- Fraud using copied or stolen card information
If You Suspect Fraud
If you notice an unusual transaction, receive a suspicious message, or believe your card information may have been compromised, contact Midwest Bank right away.
Visit our Fraud & Security page for guidance on next steps. You cannot report fraud online—please call or visit your local branch immediately if you believe your account has been compromised.
Enjoy a Safer Holiday Season with Midwest Bank
With increased awareness and the added security of Tap to Pay, you can focus on celebrating—not worrying about fraud. If you have questions about protecting your account or using your Tap to Pay debit card, our team is here to help.