As the busy fall season approaches, consumers may become increasingly focused on online shopping, charitable donations, and sending or receiving money. During this time, they may also encounter suspicious emails, text messages, or physical mail. These distractions can make it easier to overlook common warning signs that fraudsters use to deceive consumers and steal their hard-earned money.
Common holiday scams include fraudulent websites and mobile apps, phishing emails and text messages about package deliveries, and impersonation schemes in which scammers pose as trusted individuals, businesses, or government agencies. Fraudsters may demand payment through gift cards or use artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing fake advertisements, impersonate legitimate services, or make fraudulent communications appear authentic.
For many people, the fall season is a time of generosity, celebration, and goodwill. Unfortunately, scammers exploit this spirit by targeting unsuspecting consumers when they may be distracted or more willing to trust unfamiliar requests. Staying alert and recognizing potential red flags can help protect your personal information and financial well-being.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud
- Be cautious of caller ID. Scammers can manipulate caller ID information to make calls appear to come from legitimate businesses, financial institutions, or government agencies. Verify the caller's identity using an official phone number before sharing information or taking action.
- Avoid suspicious emails and text messages. Be wary of unexpected messages, unfamiliar senders, urgent requests, and links or attachments you were not expecting. Verify package delivery notifications directly through the carrier's official website or app.
- Think before sharing personal information. Never provide sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, banking details, passwords, or verification codes, in response to an unsolicited request.
- Inspect websites and advertisements carefully. Before making a purchase or donation, confirm that the website and organization are legitimate. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, unfamiliar payment methods, and pressure to act immediately.
- Never pay unexpected demands with gift cards. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not require payment through gift cards. Requests for gift card codes, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods are major warning signs of fraud.
- Review your mail for suspicious activity. Watch for bills, account statements, or financial notices associated with accounts you did not open. These may indicate identity theft or unauthorized account activity.
- Monitor your credit reports. Review your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts, unauthorized credit inquiries, or other signs that someone may be using your identity without permission.
- Check your financial transactions regularly. Review bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar purchases, unauthorized withdrawals, or other transactions you do not recognize. Report suspicious activity to your financial institution promptly.
- A little caution can go a long way. By staying informed, verifying unexpected requests, and monitoring your personal and financial information, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud and enjoy a safer, more secure holiday season.
Visit panhandlecu.org/fraud-prevention for more insight.
Contact us at (850) 769-3306 or mail@panhandlecu.org
Note: When emailing inquiries to the credit union, please do NOT include any sensitive/confidential information as email is an unsecure communication method.
