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A Safe and Secure Holiday Season

The holiday season and New Year are special times here in Mississippi — full of family gatherings, church programs, small-town parades, and picking out those last-minute gifts from local shops. But while we’re all busy celebrating, scammers are busy too. This time of year always brings an increase in fraud attempts, and in 2025 many scams have gotten more sophisticated, especially with the rise of AI-generated messages and look-alike texts.

From fake package notifications to phony charity requests and even scam calls pretending to be family members, criminals know folks are distracted and generous during the holidays. Whether you're ordering gifts online, tracking deliveries, or sending money to loved ones, it’s important to stay alert.

A few ways to protect yourself this season:

  • Take a second look at delivery emails or texts. Scammers love to send fake “your package couldn’t be delivered” messages this time of year.
  • Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If a website or social media ad feels off, trust your gut.
  • Slow down if someone pressures you to act quickly. Real businesses and banks won’t rush you into giving personal or financial information.

At First State Bank, protecting our neighbors is part of who we are and what we do best. Our Fraud Prevention Center is designed to give you clear, practical information you can trust — including how to recognize current scams, how to keep your online banking secure, and what steps to take if something doesn’t feel right.

Whether you’re checking your account from home or on the road visiting family, these resources are here to help keep you and your money safe all season long.

You can explore all of our fraud-prevention tips anytime here:
https://www.firststatebnk.bank/fraud-center/fraud-prevention-center

With a little extra caution — and the support of your hometown bank — you can enjoy a peaceful holiday season and step into the New Year with confidence, knowing you’re better protected from holiday scams.