How to Detect and Avoid Holiday Consumer Scams

At Mazuma Credit Union, the security of our Members’ financial information and accounts is our top priority. As your trusted financial partner, we closely monitor the evolving risks our Members face in today’s digital world – from phishing and social engineering scams to identity fraud, cybersecurity threats, and beyond. We proactively share information to empower our Members to identify and avoid potential threats that can compromise the security of their data.

The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and increased online retail activity – which also makes it prime time for scammers and consumer fraud. As digital shopping surges, so do attempts to steal personal information and money through sophisticated schemes. At Mazuma Credit Union, protecting our Members is a top priority, and we want you to be equipped with the knowledge to spot and avoid these threats.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch For

• Fake Online Stores: Scammers create websites that look legitimate, offering deals that seem too good to be true. These sites may steal your payment information or never deliver your purchases.
  
  
• Phishing Emails & Texts: Fraudsters send messages pretending to be from trusted retailers or shipping companies, urging you to click links or provide sensitive information.
  
  
• Charity Scams: During the season of giving, fake charities proliferate. They may ask for donations via untraceable methods like gift cards or third-party payment apps.

Practical Tips to Stay Safe

1. Verify Websites: Before making a purchase, check the website’s URL for spelling errors or unusual domains. Look for secure payment icons (like a padlock) and read reviews from trusted sources.
   
   
2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Messages: Never click on links or download attachments from emails or texts you weren’t expecting. Legitimate companies won’t ask for personal information via these channels.
   
   
3. Donate Wisely: Give directly to well-known charities through their official websites. Avoid requests for donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or third-party apps.
   
   
4. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, especially during the busy holiday period.

Legitimate organizations will never ask you to provide sensitive personal information or payment via gift cards or third-party apps! Keep these tips in mind so you can shop and celebrate safely this holiday season.

Remember: 

Mazuma Credit Union will never call, text, or email you asking for personally identifiable information (social security numbers, secure access codes, passwords/pin numbers, card numbers, or account numbers), ask you to provide us your card, or instruct you to send money through a third-party vendor (PayPal, Venmo, etc.).  

If you are unsure whether an email, phone call, or text message is from Mazuma, please call us directly at 913-574-5000 so that we can assist you.

If you suspect a scam, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

Check out Mazuma’s Member Security Center for more information!

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