Scammers ramp up activity during the holidays. Here's how to stay aware and protect yourself.
Fraudsters pose as familiar individuals, claiming an urgent problem and pressuring you to take immediate action by following specific payment instructions.
Phishing Scams
Fraudsters will send you an email or a pop-up message that appears to be from a trusted company – such as your credit card company, credit union, or a government agency. These messages often ask you to update or validate your account, redirecting you to a fake website designed to steal your personal information. Learn more about phishing.
Charitable Giving Scams
These scams often spike after disasters or major news events. Criminals may impersonate real organizations or create convincing fake ones. Scammers may use social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, fake websites, emails, or even go door-to-door.
Research charities on trusted platforms, such as Charity Navigator or GuideStar, to verify their legitimacy and credibility. Be cautious of unsolicited requests. Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts. Use secure payment methods, such as a credit card. Never feel pressured to give in.
Package Delivery Notification Scam
You may receive a text or email about a package delivery issue or an address update that is needed. These tricky messages often include a tracking link, tempting you to update your info. Clicking that link could lead you to phishing sites or even malware.
It's best to avoid clicking or replying to the message. Instead, log in to your account on the merchant's website to check your order history and delivery details. If you checked out as a guest, don’t forget to check your confirmation email for any updates.
Gift Card Scam
An AARP survey shows roughly 13 million Americans have fallen victim to gift card scams. Scammers often request payment through retailers, such as Amazon and Target. Remember, no legitimate business or government agency will request payment in this manner.
If you’ve accidentally shared your gift card info, reach out to the gift card company right away and have your receipt ready.
Imposter Scams
Scammers may pretend to be a friend or family member in urgent need of money, asking you to send funds via money-transfer apps, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. Stay vigilant and verify the authenticity of such requests before taking action. Learn more about impersonations.
Ways To Protect Yourself
1) Use Card Services within Digital Banking to quickly activate or deactivate your card at your convenience.
2) Check your transactions and statements regularly within Digital Banking.
3) Set up account alerts.
4) Use your credit card or Digital Wallet to make more secure payments.
5) Reminder: We will NEVER contact you by phone, email, or through social media to solicit confidential, personal, and/or account information. This includes Digital Banking credentials, personal identification numbers, one-time passwords, or debit or credit card information (expiration date or CVV number).
IF YOU SUSPECT FRAUD
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of a scam, let us know immediately so we can
help you review your account and dispute any charges if needed.
Also, report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Watch this video to learn more about imposter scams.
Magnifi Financial is committed to arming you with the necessary tools and information to protect yourself. Check out our fraud prevention resource page to learn more.
