The holidays are a time for giving and, for thieves, a time for taking advantage of unsuspecting citizens.

The Fayetteville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has seen a recent increase in online email scams and is warning Internet users to beware, said Det. Mike Whitlow.

Whitlow said there are numerous scams being committed via email including notices from banks or Internet carriers stating that accounts have been shut down and information needs to be updated for continued use.

Detectives are warning people not to respond to these messages, Whitlow said.

“If the message is from your bank, go directly to the bank to inquire about any problems with your account,” Whitlow advised. “If the message is from your Internet provider, contact the provider via email or telephone and research the address or telephone number to confirm you are contacting the right person.”

Whitlow urged that residents should never give out personal information, PIN numbers or account information to anyone you do not know or can not verify.

If in doubt regarding the veracity of any email, call the Fayetteville Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 770-461-4441.