E commerce or business gift concept – Gift wrapped present with blank red tag on laptop keyboard

With the holiday season in full swing, Westerra Credit Union wants to ensure that all are protected from the increased threat of scams during this festive time. While financial fraud can occur throughout the year, it tends to be more prevalent during the holidays.

Here are some proactive tips to safeguard yourself:

  1. Charity Scams:

Fraudsters exploit the season of giving by posing as charities. Be wary of:

Spoofed websites

Unsolicited phone calls

Fake phone numbers

Similar-sounding names to legitimate charities

Claims of tax-deductible donations

Tips:

Research charities before donating

Verify the legitimacy of unsolicited emails and links

Check www.ftc.gov/charity for additional information

  1. Social Media and

    Online Shopping Scams:

Scammers entice victims with unrealistically good deals, leading to identity theft and financial loss.

Tips:

Verify website legitimacy before providing personal information

Avoid sites with overly discounted prices

  1. Gift Card Scams:

Fraudsters tamper with gift cards, stealing activation codes for future purchases.

Tips:

Purchase gift cards in-store and ensure they’re intact

Buy e-gift cards directly from reputable retailers

  1. Temporary Holiday Jobs Scams:

Beware of fake job ads aiming to steal money and personal information.

Tips:

Google the company and check BBB for legitimacy

Never pay upfront for a job or send money to an employer

  1. Delivery Scams:

Fraudulent messages prompt you to click links or provide personal information regarding a delayed delivery.

Tips:

Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails

Never provide personal information to unknown sources

Do not deposit unsolicited checks

  1. Travel Scams:

Scammers promise unrealistically cheap vacations or timeshares in exchange for personal information.

Tips:

Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails

Never provide personal information

Be cautious of suspiciously low prices

  1. Letter from Santa Scams:

Scams target families participating in Let­ters from Santa, requesting personal and credit card information.

Tips:

Ignore unsolicited communications

Research before making any payments

Look out for poor spelling and grammar

  1. Puppy Scams:

Pet scams rise during the season; always request to see the pet in person before purchase.

Tips:

Research fair prices for your desired breed

Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true

Conduct a reverse image search for authenticity

Throughout the holiday season, stay vigilant, educate yourself on potential dangers, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns. If you suspect your information has been compromised, reach out to us immediately. Enjoy the festivities by staying cautious and shopping smart.

For more financial safety tips and scam alerts, visit westerracu.com/news/fraud-alerts.