The holidays are a time for joy, generosity, and celebration—but guess who's lurking in the shadows? No, not the Grinch with his green fur and tiny heart. It's scammers, and unlike the Grinch, they won't give your stuff back after a change of heart. With online shopping, charitable giving, and festive deals in full swing, it's easy to fall for a scam if you're not careful. Here's how to keep your holiday cheer (and your wallet) safe from these modern-day Grinches.
1. Fake Online Stores
The Scam: These sites look shinier than all the twinkling lights on Christmas Eve, offering deals that seem too good to be true—because they are.
Sleigh It & Avoid the Grinch:
- Stick to trusted retailers.
- Look for HTTPS and check reviews before you click "Buy Now."
2. Gift Card Scams
The Scam: Scammers ask for payment via gift cards, claiming it's for taxes, prizes, or emergencies. Spoiler: It's not.
Sleigh It & Avoid the Grinch:
- Never pay official bills with gift cards. Even the Grinch knows that's sketchy.
- Report suspicious requests immediately.
3. Charity Fraud
The Scam: Fake charities tug at your heartstrings during the season of giving, but your donation goes straight into a scammer's pocket.
Sleigh It & Avoid the Grinch:
- Verify charities through sites like Charity Navigator® or Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.
- Donate directly through official websites.
4. Delivery Notifications
The Scam: Phishing emails or texts claim there's a problem with your package delivery and ask you to click a link or provide personal info.
Sleigh It & Avoid the Grinch:
- Don't click links in unsolicited messages.
- Track packages through official carrier websites.
5. Social Media Scams
The Scam: "Like and share to win!"—but the prize never comes, and your data gets harvested.
Sleigh It & Avoid the Grinch:
- Avoid sharing personal info for contests.
- Stick to verified brand accounts.
6. Potential Account Fraud
The Scam: A caller may claim to be from your financial institution, stating they've detected suspicious activity on your account. They may even have some of your information to seem legitimate and will ask for any other details they need to commit fraud.
Sleigh It & Avoid the Grinch:
- Never provide information to someone on a call that you did not initiate.
- If there is any doubt, hang up and call your financial institution using their official number. Never redial the number that called you, even if the number appears legitimate.
If someone claims to be from Members First Credit Union of Florida, keep this in mind:
We will never ask for your PIN, CVV code, Social Security Number (SSN), or online banking login credentials through an automated call or fraud alert.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, hang up immediately and contact us using the official phone number listed on our website or your account documents. Do not call back the number that contacted you—even if it looks legitimate.
Quick Sleigh Tips
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
- When in doubt, pause before you click!
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