Set a holiday spending budget and stick to it! Avoid impulse purchases and overpaying for your items. To do this, it’s best to start planning your purchases in advance, and setting aside an amount for each gift, activity or trip you want for the holidays.

Buy with intention, not impulse. The lights and decorations in stores can make us fall into the temptation of buying more than we need, or else overpaying for items that would otherwise be cheaper. Don’t get carried away by impulse. Consider the long-term value of the item – whether it will be truly useful, and most important, whether it’s within your budget.

Save all your receipts, and confirm the charges on your account. The only way to claim an erroneous charge is with your purchase receipt. If it’s a physical establishment and offers to send the receipt by email or text, accept it. But also ask for the printed copy as an additional precaution.  

You’re the lucky winner of…! Be very suspicious of messages saying you won a raffle or sweepstakes – especially when you never participated. They will ask you for personal information – and sometimes even ask you to send a deposit to supposedly get your prize. Don’t share your data with anyone, or access any links. 

Talk to family members – especially seniors and adolescents, who are more likely to fall for these scams. Education is the most important weapon to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.