• 30°

Cadence Bank warns of Christmas scams

Cadence Bank is offering suggestions to avoid costly scams during the Christmas season. CONTRIBUTED
Cadence Bank is offering suggestions to avoid costly scams during the Christmas season. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON COUNTY – With the Christmas shopping season at full speed, criminals and shysters want to cash in on unsuspecting victims. National Retail Federation states that Americans will conduct about 50 percent of holiday shopping online.

Cadence Bank at 4004 Lawson’s Ridge Road NW is sharing tips to help protect against identity theft when shopping online.

“Whether you’re shopping online using your desktop computer or mobile device, it’s important to protect yourself from ‘fraudsters,’ especially during the often frenzied holiday season,” Crystal Green said. She works as branch manager at Cadence Bank.

“Ensure a clean machine,” Green said. Any device used to shop online, including SmartPhones and tablets, should have the most up-to-date operating system, firewall solution and security software with anti-virus and anti-spam protection.

“If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Green said. Criminals lure shoppers with websites and email messages that look legitimate and offer unbelievably low prices.

“Beware what you share,” she said. Only complete required fields for an online order or survey. Guard your personal information.

Individuals should be “WiFi savvy” and avoid sharing personal or financial details over an unsecured, wireless network. “Direct web access via your mobile device is safer than an unsecured network,” Green said.

“Maintain a paper trail. Keep thorough records of your online transactions, including online receipt, product description, price, terms of sale and all email correspondence with the seller,” Green said.

“Keep a close eye on your debit and credit card activity. With higher transaction volume this time of year, it’s possible to overlook fraudulent charges,” Green said. “Sign up for text alerts for your debit and credit cards to receive notifications on your account activity.”

Cadence Bank’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit cadencebank.com.

Madison

MVP’s store offers Madison ‘merch’ through Dec. 3

Bob Jones High School

National chess championships open to Madison players

Bob Jones High School

Madison Visionary Partners opens nominations for Madison Visionary Awards

Madison

Interfaith Day of Prayer debuts with people of diverse beliefs

Harvest

Toyota association donates to The Salvation Army’s holiday projects

Madison

Mustangs take down Sylvania 35-28 in Black Friday playoff epic

Harvest

Japan-America Society presents award to Robert Black

Harvest

Ardie Dean’s career in drumming led him to 5 continents and Carnegie Hall

Harvest

Holidays open with Fantasy Playhouse’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

James Clemens High School

Jets dominate Senators in road tilt

Bob Jones High School

Many chess players earn first-ever rating at Queen’s Quest

Bob Jones High School

Take a break: Madison, Triana libraries’ sessions calm holiday stress

Bob Jones High School

Teens: Apply now for American Legion Oratorical Contest

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – Nov. 15, 2023

Madison

Madison City Interfaith Day of Prayer debuts Saturday at 10 a.m. at City Hall

Harvest

Apple Festival honors hospital’s therapy dog, entertains employees

James Clemens High School

Jean Downs accepts AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award

Bob Jones High School

Patriot, Jets actors and one-act plays advance to state drama festival

James Clemens High School

Hoover punishes James Clemens in playoff blowout 42-16

Harvest

Nelson founds Veterans Initiative Program to ease military transitions

Harvest

Ring bells at Red Kettles for young, elderly’s Christmas gifts

Business

BJ’s Wholesale Club opens Friday in Town Madison

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones boys, girls cross country qualify for state championship

Harvest

TARCOG’s Caregiver College to honor those diligent workers

x