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Consumer & Retail Banking
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2025-12-31

Beware of Fake Promotions and Prizes: Common Scams During the Holiday Season

The year-end holiday season is often the most anticipated time of the year. Many people look forward to booking flights, securing accommodations, and hunting for shopping deals to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Unfortunately, behind the excitement, the risk of scams increases significantly.

Cybercriminals take advantage of the surge in digital transactions and the tendency for people to make quick decisions during busy holiday periods. Staying alert is essential to ensure your holiday remains safe, comfortable, and stress-free.
 

Why Do Scams Increase During the Year-End Holidays?

 
During the holiday season, people are constantly exposed to promotions, discounts, and prize offers. This creates an ideal opportunity for scammers to impersonate official institutions, design offers that appear too good to miss, and create a sense of urgency or panic so victims act without careful consideration.

The combination of emotional excitement and time pressure often leads to reduced vigilance, making fraud attempts more likely to succeed.
 

Common Scam Tactics to Watch Out for During the Holidays

 
Below are some of the most frequent scam methods that appear during the year-end holiday season and require extra caution.
 
  1. Fake Giveaways and Vouchers
    Scammers often promote large prizes through WhatsApp, SMS, or social media. Victims are directed to click suspicious links, fill out personal information, or enter OTP codes. These links usually lead to phishing sites designed to steal banking details and digital account access.
  2. Unrealistically Cheap Travel Deals
    Flight tickets, hotel rooms, or travel packages offered at prices far below market value should raise immediate suspicion. Scammers typically ask victims to complete transactions outside official platforms and transfer funds directly to personal bank accounts. Once payment is made, the promised service never materializes.
  3. Fake Online Stores and Flash Sales
    Fraudsters create professional-looking ads featuring massive discounts and countdown timers to create urgency. Buyers are pressured to make quick purchases without verifying the legitimacy of the store or platform.
  4. Fake Courier Messages and APK Files
    This is one of the most widespread scams. Victims receive messages containing APK files or links to check package tracking numbers. Once installed, the malicious app can access SMS messages, including OTP codes, potentially draining bank accounts and digital wallets.
 

Safe Transaction Tips for a Peaceful Holiday

 
To avoid falling victim to these scams, consider the following preventive measures:
  • Avoid clicking suspicious links, especially those sent from unknown numbers or accounts.
  • Never share your PIN, password, or OTP with anyone, including individuals claiming to represent official institutions.
  • Always verify promotions and offers through official websites and verified social media accounts.
  • Do not transfer funds to personal bank accounts, particularly for tickets, hotel bookings, or digital products.
  • Stay calm and avoid making rushed decisions, even when faced with limited-time offers or large prize claims.
 

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Holiday

 
Holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones, not a period marked by financial loss due to fraud. By recognizing common scam tactics and applying simple preventive steps, the risk of digital crime can be significantly reduced.

Always prioritize caution when making transactions and protect your personal data to ensure your year-end holiday remains safe and enjoyable.

If you encounter suspicious activity or parties claiming to represent Bank Muamalat, please verify only through the following official channels: SalaMuamalat at 1500016 (domestic) or +6221 8066 8000 (international), WhatsApp at 0812 8065 1800 (verified), email salamuamalat@bankmuamalat.co.id, the official website www.bankmuamalat.co.id, and Bank Muamalat’s verified social media accounts on Facebook (Bank Muamalat Indonesia), X (@BankMuamalat), Instagram (@bank.muamalat), and YouTube (Bank Muamalat).
 

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