Holiday Season Scams on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself and Your Business

As the holidays approach, so does another less festive season — scam season. Every year, accountants, business owners, and individuals alike see a sharp rise in fraudulent attempts to steal personal and financial information. These scams have become increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking real banks and trusted institutions with alarming accuracy.

Over the past year, a growing number of businesses have reported receiving calls, texts, and emails from what appeared to be their bank — complete with familiar logos, professional email signatures, and even legitimate-looking phone numbers displayed on caller ID. The message is almost always urgent: “There’s been suspicious activity on your account,” or “We need to verify your login details immediately.”

It’s a trap.

Once login credentials or verification codes are shared, the scammers can quickly access online banking systems, change passwords, and drain accounts — often within minutes. By the time the real bank or accountant is contacted, the damage may already be done.

As an accountant, I see firsthand how devastating these scams can be, especially for small businesses and individuals during the holidays when cash flow is tight and attention is elsewhere. The emotional and financial toll can be severe, but the good news is that awareness and vigilance remain your best defense.

Here are a few important reminders to keep yourself safe this season:

• Never share your username, password, or security codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly — even if they claim to be from your bank.

• Hang up immediately if you receive a call asking for account access or login verification. Then, call your bank directly using the number listed on your statement or bank website.

• Do not click links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages, even if they look official.

• Train your staff to be cautious. Many scams target businesses by pretending to be executives or financial departments.

• Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual transactions or login attempts. Early detection can make all the difference.

Cybercriminals rely on the chaos of the holiday season — when we’re busier, more distracted, and often in a giving mood. Staying alert, verifying before trusting, and maintaining good cybersecurity habits are the best gifts you can give yourself and your business this year.

Protecting your financial integrity isn’t just about balancing books or reviewing statements — it’s about knowing when to pause, question, and verify before taking action.

This holiday season, stay smart, stay secure, and don’t let the scammers steal your peace of mind.