The holiday season is a busy time of year. Between shopping, traveling, sending packages, and managing holiday expenses, it’s easy to get distracted, and scammers know it.
Criminals often take advantage of the busy holiday season to steal money, account information, and personal information. A little awareness can go a long way toward protecting yourself.
Here are some common scams to watch for this holiday season.
Email & Text Spoofing
One of the most common tactics scammers use is spoofing, making an email, text message, phone number, or website appear to come from a trusted source.
You might receive a message that appears to be from Members Trust warning you about a suspicious transaction. It may ask you to click a link, verify your information, or call a phone number. These messages are designed to create a sense of urgency, so you’ll act before you have time to think. The link may take you to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials or other sensitive information.
Red flags to watch for:
- An unexpected message about suspicious account activity
- A request to verify your password, PIN, or account information.
- A link asking you to log in or make a payment.
- Urgent language telling you to act immediately.
- Slightly misspelled email addresses or website URLs.
- A message that doesn't sound like the person or business it claims to be.
When in doubt, DO NOT CLICK. Instead, contact Members Trust or the business using a phone number or website you know is legitimate, not the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
Bank “Jugging”
Holiday shopping can also make bank jugging a greater concern.
“Jugging” is a crime in which criminals watch customers leave a bank, credit union, or ATM, assuming they may be carrying cash. They follow a customer from the financial institution and attempt to rob them or burglarize their vehicle.
Help protect yourself:
- Stay aware. Pay attention to vehicles or people who are watching you around the branch or ATM.
- Keep cash and valuables out of sight. Don't openly display cash, envelopes, or bank bags when leaving the branch.
- Don't leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave something in your car, make sure it is concealed and secured.
- Watch for anyone following you. If you believe someone is following you after leaving a financial institution, don't drive home. Continue to a safe, public location and contact law enforcement.
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as using your phone while entering or leaving a branch or ATM.
Other Holiday Scams to Watch For
Scammers use many different approaches during the holidays. Be cautious of:
- Fake Shopping Websites - A deal that seems too good to be true may be exactly that. Scammers create fake websites or listings to collect payment information without ever delivering the merchandise. The FBI recommends researching unfamiliar sellers and checking website URLs before making a purchase.
- Package Delivery Scams - You may receive a text or email claiming there is a problem with a package delivery and asking you to click a link or provide payment information. Don't use links in unexpected messages. Instead, visit the delivery company's official website directly to check your shipment.
- Gift Card Scams - Be suspicious if someone asks you to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers or PINs. This is a common tactic used in holiday scams.
Stop. Think. Verify.
The holidays should be about spending time with the people you care about, not worrying about scammers.
Before clicking a link, sending money, or providing personal information, take a moment to stop and verify. If something feels “off” or creates pressure to act immediately, that's a reason to slow down.
At Members Trust Federal Credit Union, we're committed to helping our members protect their financial information. If you believe you've encountered a scam or notice suspicious activity on your account, contact us as soon as possible.