The holiday season brings plenty of things to celebrate—but unfortunately, scammers are celebrating too. Fraudsters know how to use the hustle and excitement of the holidays to their advantage.
Before you click, pay or share your information, take a moment to stop and think.
Be cautious with holiday deals.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Shop with trusted retailers and be cautious when buying from unfamiliar websites or social media sellers.
Watch for fake delivery messages.
Scammers may send texts or emails claiming there’s a problem with your package and asking you to click a link or provide personal information. Instead, check your order directly through the retailer or shipping company’s official website or app.
Never give out your account information.
We will never ask you to provide your password, PIN, one-time verification code or full card information through an unexpected call, text or email.
Beware of gift card scams.
No legitimate business or government agency will demand payment through gift cards. If someone asks you to purchase gift cards and send them the numbers or photos of the cards, it’s a scam.
Be careful with charitable giving.
Scammers often take advantage of people’s generosity during the holidays. Before donating, research the organization and make sure you’re giving through its official website.
Trust your gut.
Scammers often create a sense of urgency—”Act now!” “Your account will be closed!” “You have to pay today!” Take a breath and verify the request before taking action.
Remember: Stop. Think. Verify.
A few extra seconds can help protect your money and personal information. If something feels suspicious, don’t click the link, don’t send the money and don’t share your information.
When in doubt, contact us directly at 801-399-9728 or online at ascentcu.org—not the contact information provided in a suspicious message.
Have a safe, happy and scam-free holiday season!