The FBI has launched a "Take a Beat" campaign to warn Americans about scams that often spike during the holiday season. Officials say the effort is aimed at protecting consumers from identity theft and financial fraud at a time when shopping activity is high.

Supervisory Special Agent Zacharia Baldwin said scammers frequently use urgency and fear to pressure victims into giving up personal information.

"If you get a call saying it's an emergency – that your bank account has been hacked or someone has stolen your account – relax. Check if the information is right. Do you even have an account with that bank? Are the purchases accurate? Then ask politely for a callback number so you can verify it independently."

Steps to protect yourself

Contact financial institutions to place restric

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