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Avoid the 12 Most Common Holiday Scams and Celebrate Securely with UMe

The holidays are a time for joy, but they can also bring sneaky scams. UMe cares about keeping U and your wallet safe, so here’s how to stay on guard: watch for fake charity requests, too-good-to-be-true online deals, and unsolicited calls asking for personal info. Be cautious of counterfeit products and delivery scams. Remember, if something feels off, trust your gut. UMe is here for U with tools and tips to keep your holidays merry and stress-free. Here are 12 common scams to watch out for this year: 

  1. Fake Charity Scams Scammers exploit holiday generosity. Before donating, verify the charity’s legitimacy using sites like Charity Navigator or the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
  2. Online Shopping Scams Beware of deals that are too good to be true. Stick to reputable retailers, use secure payment methods, and avoid clicking ads on social media without verifying the seller.
  3. Gift Card Scams Never buy gift cards for payments. Scammers may pretend to be utility companies, tech support, or even family, demanding U pay them with gift cards. Legitimate organizations never ask for gift card payments.
  4. Holiday Job Scams Seasonal jobs can be a great opportunity, but be cautious of job postings that require upfront fees or personal financial information. Research companies thoroughly before applying.
  5. E-Card Scams If U receive an unexpected holiday e-card, verify the sender before opening. Scammers embed malicious links in these cards to steal personal information or install viruses.
  6. Delivery Scams Fake shipping notifications are rampant. If U get an unexpected message about a missed package, don’t click on any links. Check with the shipping company directly.
  7. Travel Scams Planning holiday a trip? Use reputable websites for bookings and be skeptical of heavily discounted vacation offers. Double-check reviews and payment security on unfamiliar travel platforms.
  8. Social Media Giveaways Be cautious of giveaways or contests that ask for personal information, especially credit card numbers. Legit giveaways won’t require excessive details upfront.
  9. Phishing Emails Holiday-themed phishing scams are sneaky. Look out for misspellings, unusual senders, or urgent language asking U to click links or share sensitive information.
  10. Fake Pop-Up Shops Holiday markets and pop-ups are festive, but some sellers are untrustworthy. Research the vendor beforehand and be cautious when paying with cards or sharing personal details.
  11. Counterfeit Items Designer goods or electronics at deeply discounted prices are often fake. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with verified retailers to avoid counterfeit products.
  12. Emergency Scams Scammers might impersonate family members or friends, claiming to need urgent help. Verify any unexpected requests by contacting the person directly, even if the story seems convincing.

Stay Scam-Free with UMe 

We love our UMe CommUnity – and we’re here to keep the holidays merry and bright! Let us help U protect your finances and stay stress-free this season. Have questions? Visit us or check out trusted resources like the  BBB to stay one step ahead of scammers. Happy holidays to U from Me (from all of us) at UMe! 

Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!