Protecting yourself from fraudsters this holiday season
The holiday season has arrived once again! It’s a time to spread holiday joy, decorate, and spend time with loved ones. However, the holiday season also has an increase in fraudsters. They’ve got their phony texts, emails and phone calls ready to go.
Why is the holiday season such a prime time for scammers?
With people shopping online more frequently, sending money to loved ones, and managing hectic schedules, it’s easier for fraudsters to catch individuals off guard. The increase in digital transactions and communications can make your personal information vulnerable.
Here are a few common fraud tactics to know about.
SMS, Email, and Phone Call Schemes
Scammers take advantage of the busy holiday season with a variety of tactics aimed at tricking unsuspecting individuals. Understanding these schemes is the first step to staying protected.
- SMS Scam aka Smishing: Fraudsters send fake text messages that appear to come from trusted sources, like your bank or delivery companies. These messages often urge you to click on a link or provide personal information, claiming there’s an urgent issue with your account.
- Fraudulent Email aka Phishing: Phishing emails mimic official communications from financial institutions, retailers, or charitable organizations. The goal is to convince you to enter login credentials or financial information on a fake website, putting your personal data at risk.
- Impersonation Phone Call aka Vishing: Criminals may call pretending to be OCCU representatives or other trusted authorities. They often use urgent language to pressure you into sharing sensitive details or making immediate payments.
If you suspect your account has been compromised, don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-365-1111
Holiday Scam Awareness Table
Common Scams, Preventative Measures, and Scam Statistics
Scam Type | Example | Preventative Measure | Holiday Scam Stats |
| Suspicious Text Message (smishing) | “OCCU Alert: Unusual activity detected on your account. Visit fake-link.com to verify your information.” | Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Verify alerts by contacting OCCU directly using official contact information. | Text message scams increase by up to 30% during the holidays. |
| Suspicious Email (phishing) | “Dear Member, your account will be suspended unless you confirm your details. Click here to log in securely.” | Be skeptical of urgent requests for personal info. Do not click links or download attachments from unknown sources. Navigate to official websites yourself. | Phishing attacks account for nearly 25% of reported holiday fraud cases. |
| Impersonation Call (vishing) | A caller claims to be from OCCU’s fraud department, requesting your card number and PIN to ‘resolve an urgent issue.’ | Never share sensitive information over the phone. Hang up and call OCCU using our official phone number. | Impersonation calls spike by 40% during festive periods. |
General Best Practices
- Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication when available.
- Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized activity and report any suspicious transactions immediately.
- Spread awareness among family and friends to help everyone stay vigilant during the holidays.
- Always use official communication channels to verify the legitimacy of suspicious text messages, emails, or phone calls.
Staying Vigilant This Holiday Season
While the holidays are a joyful time, it’s important to stay alert to the risk of frauds. By recognizing common scam tactics, examining messages carefully, and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
