Keep the Holidays Bright—And the Hackers Out!

As we head into the holiday season, cybercriminals become even more active—taking advantage of the busy shopping season. We want our members to stay vigilant and aware of common scams.

1) Holiday Themed Phishing Emails/Texts:

Scammers often send messages that look real and trick you into clicking harmful links or sharing personal information. These emails/texts may use familiar company logos and urgent language—like “your delivery is delayed” or “donate now”. Never click unexpected links, and go directly to the retailer or organization’s official website to verify the message. If something feels off, it probably is.

2) Gift Card Scams:

A common gift card scam involves receiving a “phishing” email or text that appears to be from someone you know and asks you to purchase gift cards. If you receive any unusual requests for gift cards during the holidays, reach out directly to the individual by phone to confirm the authenticity of the request.

3) Too Good To Be True Deals:

Be skeptical of online deals that look too good to be true. Around the holidays, retailers often advertise massive discounts to attract shoppers, but scammers take advantage of this by creating fake websites or listings that mimic legitimate stores. Do not put your credit card information in any website that seems suspicious.

4) NEVER Give Personal Information Over the Phone:

During the holidays, scammers often pose as financial institutions, delivery services, or even government agencies to pressure you into sharing account numbers, passwords, verification codes, or Social Security information. They may sound professional and use urgent language to make you act quickly.

If you are a victim of fraud or a scam, take immediate action:

• File a police report with local law enforcement
• Contact 360FCU or any other financial institution you have
• Report the scam to the FTC

Remember: 360 Federal Credit Union or any other financial institution will NEVER call and ask for sensitive information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up.

We hope you can enjoy your holiday season without any fraud stress. If you need assistance, please call us at 860.627.4200 or stop by a branch.

Happy Holidays!