The holiday season is a favorite amongst Americans. It’s the time for giving, cozy nights, and spending time with family. While the Christmas season is in full swing, be on the lookout for holiday scams. Christmas is a vulnerable time of year, and scammers have continually gotten smarter. In this blog, we’ll go through common holiday scams to watch out for while you are out shopping or planning your next family vacation.
Credit Card Fraud
One of the most common scams is trying to get your credit card information. They can scam you at the gas station, online, or take your card in person and get all the information they need to use your credit card. To avoid this, be vigilant and track your purchases during the holiday season. If you see any purchase that doesn’t look right, cancel your card immediately. Sometimes scammers will make small purchases to avoid getting noticed.
Social Media Scams
I’m sure you’ve heard this before; social media is not always what it seems and that goes for shopping online. Scammers will use these platforms to advertise huge savings, but in reality, it’s not real! Your item will never arrive, and you won’t get your money back. One platform that’s been gaining popularity for shopping is TikTok. They will advertise “great deals” on items to entice you to purchase. While you’re scrolling through social media, be on the lookout for ads that look too good to be true because most of the time, they are.
Package Scams
We all love to shop online. It’s convenient, easy, and the items you want show up right to your door. If you have a lot of packages coming to your house, be aware of package fraud. The most common one is a message saying there was a problem with the delivery. It will usually have a link asking you to click on it to steal your information. If you get an email or text message asking you to click on a link, don’t! Call the distributor if you’re worried about the status of your package. Also, the holidays are a time when people steal packages. If you believe your package has been stolen, call your local police.
Travel Scams
The holidays are also a popular time to plan vacations. If you’re planning a vacation instead of buying gifts, be on the lookout for possible scams. Many phony websites and fake deals are trying to steal your personal information. If you’re unsure if the website is legitimate, contact their customer service to see if it’s real. Don’t enter any personal or financial information before confirming the website.
Be Vigilant
At Eastex Credit Union, we want your information to be protected. Remember we will never ask for your personal information over the phone or text. If your Eastex CU Visa debit card has been lost/stolen or suspected of fraudulent activity, CANCEL YOUR CARD immediately. During business hours call 409-276-2525. After business hours call 1-888-263-3370.
