Don’t Be SCAMMED for the Holidays

The holidays bring joy but also an increase in scams. At Campus Federal, your security is our priority.

Scammers often pose as government agencies (FTC, IRS, Social Security), trusted businesses, tech companies or charities. They may spoof caller IDs, claim you owe money, report a family emergency or say there’s a problem with your account. Others promise prizes but demand fees upfront.

Their goal? To pressure you into acting fast before you verify. Common tactics include fake checks, requests for cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps or gift cards.

Stay alert and informed to protect yourself this season.

• Check if your information was exposed in a data breach at databreach.com.
• Keep devices updated – Apple and Google release regular security updates. If you haven’t updated in over three months, you may be at risk.
• Windows 10 no longer receives security updates without extra steps so make sure you’re protected.

PROTECT YOUR CREDIT

1. Enroll in Campus Federal’s free credit monitoring tool, Credit Central. Visit CampusFederal.org for more details.
2. Freeze your credit through the credit bureau. Also available for children and elders.
3. Review your credit report monthly. Visit annualcreditreport.com.

RED FLAGS

• PRETEND to be from familiar organization.
• PROBLEM/PRIZE just for you.
• PRESSURE to act immediately.
• PAY in a specific way.

EMAIL SAFETY TIPS

• Check the sender’s address, official emails use proper domains.
• Watch for poor grammar or urgent, fear-based language.
• Avoid unexpected attachments; they may carry malware.
• Never share personal or financial info via email.
• Keep antivirus and your system updated for added protection.

TEXT MESSAGE SAFETY

• Be wary of unsolicited texts, especially those urging quick action. Common text scams reference a problem with a delivery, unpaid tolls or the need to verify a charge.
• Legitimate organizations won’t ask for personal or financial info via text.
• Look for grammar mistakes; these are common scam indicators.
• Check the sender’s number; unfamiliar or odd numbers are a red flag.
• Avoid clicking links unless verified.
• If a message feels urgent or “too good to be true,” pause and confirm through official channels.

Top 5 Tips

1. Confirm sender
2. Beware of encrypted attachments
3. Be skeptical of shortened links
4. Check for spelling/grammar errors
5. Look out for really good/bad news

Claim prize! Act Now!

SPOTTING MAIL SCAMS

• Check for official logos and contact details; verify with trusted sources.
• Be wary of mail demanding urgent action or sensitive info.
• Scrutinize return addresses for irregularities.
• Review mail regularly and report anything suspicious.
• If you’ve recently taken out a mortgage or auto loan, stay alert because scammers target new borrowers.

PHONE SCAMS

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those demanding quick action or secrecy.
• Legitimate organizations won’t ask for sensitive info over the phone if they called you.
• Government agencies like the IRS contact by mail first. Watch for aggressive tones or fear tactics.
• Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers or Bitcoin are red flags.
• Verify callers by asking for official contact info and confirm independently.
• Trust your instincts, if it feels wrong, hang up.
• Use call-blocking apps to reduce scam calls.

ONLINE SHOPPING

• Verify ads and links, stick to trusted retailers.
• Research sellers via Google or the Better Business Bureau.
• Look for clear contact info and secure payment options (avoid Bitcoin or unusual methods).
• Check reviews outside the company’s site.
• Beware of unrealistic prices, poor site design, spelling errors or inconsistent branding.
• Ensure the URL starts with “https” before sharing personal or financial details.

QR CODES
QR codes are convenient but can also be risky. Before scanning, ask yourself:

• Do you trust the source of the QR code?
• Could it be a sticker covering the original, legitimate code?
• Is it printed on something anyone could create?
• Can you access the same information without using the QR code?

CARD SKIMMERS
Skimmers steal card data at ATMs, gas pumps and retail terminals. Stay safe:

• Inspect readers for loose parts or odd colors; give them a quick tug.
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Use Tap to Pay or chip insert instead of swiping.
• Check statements regularly; early detection limits damage.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Be cautious of friend requests or messages from unknown profiles or duplicates of existing friends.
• Look for verification badges on official accounts.
• Avoid clicking suspicious links or responding to urgent requests for personal info. Common scams include messages like “Is this you?” or “Guess who died?”
• Facebook will never call you, and no one can call Facebook. Never share verification codes.
• Ignore offers that seem too good to be true.
• Review privacy settings regularly and limit what you share. Avoid quizzes that reveal personal details and never announce vacations online, it invites fraud.

Here for the holidays. Here for every stage of life.