VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – As holiday shopping ramps up, law enforcement in Volusia County is urging residents to keep a close eye on their bank and credit card accounts amid a recent increase in fraudulent activity.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office says it has seen a noticeable uptick in fraud reports this week, prompting a public warning from Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Chitwood said scammers often become more active during the holiday season, when people are making more purchases and may be less likely to notice suspicious charges.
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“This time of year, we see them all year; some are very mundane, some are very elaborate, but in the last 72 hours, I got a phone call from both of my credit card companies questioning a purchase,” Chitwood said.
The sheriff emphasized that fraud can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful they believe they are, and said even small or unfamiliar charges can be an early warning sign.
Local shoppers say the risk has changed how they approach spending.
“I used to always be very trusting, not anymore,” said Teresa MacDonald, a shopper in Volusia County. “I look at everything as potential fraud. There’s a lot of social media stuff going on where it looks valid, but you know it’s not.”
Authorities recommend checking bank and credit card statements regularly, setting up alerts for suspicious activity and contacting financial institutions immediately if something doesn’t look right.
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“If you have an online account, which I have, I’m in there every day,” Chitwood said. “Everything I check is my banking, my credit cards. If you see something suspicious, tell them.”
Chitwood also warned scammers that law enforcement is actively investigating fraud cases, adding that those responsible will be held accountable.
Law enforcement officials say a few minutes of vigilance can go a long way in preventing financial loss and keeping the holiday season stress-free.