MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – As the holiday season approaches, Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union (MMCCU) is proactively addressing the rise in holiday scams by launching an educational campaign aimed at empowering its members with knowledge on common scams and best practices to stay vigilant.
David Murphy, President of MMCCU, emphasizes the importance of awareness during the festive season: “The holidays are a time of joy, but unfortunately, scammers often exploit this season to target individuals. At MMCCU, we are committed to helping our members stay informed and secure. Awareness is the first line of defense against scams.”
Online Shopping Scams: One prevalent threat during the holidays is online shopping scams. Scammers create fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, preying on unsuspecting consumers. MMCCU advises everyone to shop only from reputable websites, especially when encountering unfamiliar sellers or heavily discounted items.
Phishing Emails and Messages: Holiday-themed phishing emails can be disguised as festive e-cards or fake shipping notifications. MMCCU urges everyone to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of emails before opening any attachments or clicking on links, especially if they are from unknown senders.
Gift Card Scams: Gift cards have become a popular tool for scammers seeking payments. MMCCU warns against unsolicited requests for payment using gift cards, emphasizing the need to verify the legitimacy of requests, especially from unexpected sources.
Charity Scams: As the season of giving approaches, fake charities may emerge to take advantage of people’s generosity. MMCCU encourages donors to verify the legitimacy of charities before making any donations, ensuring their contributions make a positive impact.
Travel Scams: Fake travel deals can lead to financial loss and disappointment. MMCCU recommends booking holiday travel through reputable agencies or websites to avoid falling victim to enticing yet nonexistent deals.
Package Theft (Porch Pirates): To protect against package theft, MMCCU suggests utilizing package tracking, requiring signatures for deliveries, or having packages delivered to secure locations.
Social Media Scams: MMCCU warns against fake social media accounts offering giveaways or contests to collect personal information. Social media users are advised to verify the authenticity of such offers before providing any information.
Impersonation Scams: Scammers may impersonate family or friends, seeking urgent financial assistance. MMCCU advises everyone to verify the identity of the person before sending any money, especially in distressing situations.
Fake Holiday Jobs: Job scams targeting seasonal workers can be financially detrimental. MMCCU encourages everyone to be cautious of opportunities requiring upfront payment or personal information.
In addition to these specific scams, MMCCU offers the following general tips for staying safe during the holidays:
- Stay vigilant: Double-check the legitimacy of offers or requests, and use secure and reputable channels for transactions.
- Protect personal information: Keep sensitive information confidential and be cautious about sharing it over the phone, through mail or email, or in person.
- Verify requests: If you receive a call or email asking for personal information, be suspicious and verify the identity of the caller.
- Use strong passwords: Employ strong, unique passwords for online accounts and change them frequently.
- Monitor accounts regularly: Check bank and credit card accounts regularly to detect any unauthorized transactions.
- Be skeptical: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics and unsolicited offers.
- Seek advice from trusted sources: If unsure about an offer or request, consult with trusted friends, family members, or financial advisors.
MMCCU encourages everyone to visit the Security & ID Theft page for additional insights and tips on staying safe during the holiday season.
MMCCU is a healthcare credit union open to anyone in healthcare. They are not affiliated with any specific healthcare provider or entity. To learn more, visit www.mmccu.com/membership.
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Author: News Desk
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