Shop Smart, Stay Safe

Image of a decorated Christmas tree with the word "Fraud" in capital letters sitting on the branches.
December 3 2025

The holiday season is here—and so are cybercriminals looking to take advantage of the shopping rush. Protect your personal and financial information with these essential tips.

Top Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping

  • Shop on Secure Websites: Look for “https://” and the padlock icon. Avoid clicking links in emails or ads—type the retailer’s URL directly.

  • Update Your Devices: Install the latest software updates and enable automatic updates for extra protection.

  • Use Strong Passwords & MFA: Create unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication wherever possible.

  • Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Never shop or access financial accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN or mobile hotspot if needed.

  • Beware of Phishing & Fake Deals: Ignore “too-good-to-be-true” offers and verify URLs before entering personal information.

  • Use Secure Payment Methods: Prefer credit cards or trusted digital wallets like PayPal or Apple Pay.

  • Monitor Your Accounts: Check statements regularly and set up transaction alerts to catch unauthorized charges quickly.

Extra Precautions

  • Research unfamiliar retailers before buying.

  • Don’t overshare personal information during checkout.

  • Report suspicious activity to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Stay one step ahead of scammers this season!

Visit CISA Holiday Shopping Safety Guide for more resources and share these tips with friends and family.

-Andy Hill, Chief Information Officer-

“We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will.”

Sonny Manley
President
Hebron

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Jim Scott
President
Broken Bow

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President
Kearney

"You’ve heard this before, '50% of success in your life comes from just showing up, more precisely showing up on time and being there when you are supposed to be.' That does not apply only to financial success it applies to everything. Your persistence in being there and being present and engaged in your family, your church and your work/career, you don’t have to talk a good game to be successful, you need to do. If you show-up, you're half way there.  And when you show-up, help will be available to get you the rest of the way.  Thanks to all of you that show-up!" 

Jerry Catlett
President & COO
Bruning

“At Bruning Bank, we are about building relationships. If you walk through our doors, we want you to feel like family. Whether it is your first time in, or you are a long-established customer, we want your experience to be positive, insightful, and lasting. The people we employ are vital in this role and do an amazing job carrying out the values and mission established by the bank. I truly feel this is what sets Bruning Bank apart from other institutions.“

Luke Thorell
President
Holdrege