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Denver, CO — December 1, 2022 – With the holidays in full swing, Westerra Credit Union is being proactive in protecting members from possible scams that increase during this time. Financial fraud takes place year-round; however, it is particularly common during the holiday season and we are eager to share helpful tips on identifying and avoiding these particular scams.
Below is a list of common scams fraudsters use, and what consumers and members should look out for during the busy holiday season.
When scammers play on consumers’ generosity by pretending to be a charity.
Red flags
Spoofed website
Unsolicited phone call
Fake phone number: Keep in mind that scammers change their caller ID to make a call look like it is from a local area code
Scammers use names that sounds similar to real charities
Scammers claim that your donation is tax deductible
Tips
Research charities before you donate and make sure that the charity is legitimate
Make sure you know who you are donating to before your click on any links from an unsolicited email
Refer to the following website for additional information: www.FTC.gov/charity
When scammers offer deals that are too good to be true and the victim ends up paying for an item and giving away personal information, compromising their identity and ending up with nothing in return.
Red flags
Social media posts and websites that offer vouchers and gift cards as incentives
“Known” friends sharing links for online surveys
Brand name merchandise at extremely low prices
Tips
Do your due diligence to check the legitimacy of a website prior to providing personal information
Steer clear of untrustworthy sites with unrealistic discounts
For example, fraudsters will scratch off the activation code and cover it back up for someone else to purchase. Red flags
Altered or damaged back of gift card
Tips
Purchase gift cards in store and ensure they have not been tampered with
Purchase egift cards directly from retailer or a reputable site
Fraudsters know that retailers are using this time to attract seasonal employees. Beware of fraudulent job ads aimed at stealing money and personal information from applicants. Red flags
Employer asking for a payment upfront to start work
Jobs that do not require an interview
Outrageous wage for simple tasks
Tips
Do a Google search of the company name and address to make sure it matches what has been provided
Research the company on the Better Business Bureau website www.BBB.org
Never work for a company prior to being officially hired
Never send money to a job or employer — they should be providing you with pay
You receive a message, phone call or email that informs you that a pending delivery was delayed. You may be prompted to click on a link or provide your personal information so that they may retrieve more details pertaining to the package. There may also be times where you may receive an unsolicited check with instructions on how to complete the deposit. Fraudsters may also attempt to trick you into depositing fraudulent checks and request that funds are sent back via a check or gift cards. Red flags
Unsolicited communications (email, phone call or letter in the mail)
Tips
Never click on links within an unsolicited email
Never provide personal information to unknown individuals
Never deposit an unsolicited check
Track your packages through a verified or official website
When scammers promise a free vacation or a bargain-priced timeshare or vacation rental. Never provide personal information for the promise of a vacation deal. Red flags
Unsolicited communications (email, phone call or letter in the mail)
Significantly low prices on a vacation/timeshare
Requests for personal information such as bank account number, social security number, etc.
Tips
Never click on links within an unsolicited email
Never provide personal information to unknown individuals
Avoid following links to their website — this could potentially be a spoofed website
This scam preys on families who participate in Letters from Santa. There are spoofed sites that will request personal and specific information about children. The provided information may contribute to identity theft. Red flags
Unsolicited communications (email, phone call or letter in the mail)
Site that requests personal information
Site that requests credit card information as a form of payment
Tips
Never click on links within an unsolicited email
Ignore unsolicited phone calls
Do your research
Keep an eye out for poor spelling and grammar
If you do decide to pay for the letter, make sure that you pay through a secure channel
‘Tis the season to introduce a new member to the family. However, pet scams are on the rise and you should make sure to request to see the pet in person prior to making a purchase.
Red flags
Purchasing the pet sight unseen
Not being able to view the pet in person or by live video
Using a wire, cash app and or gift cards as a payment method
Tips
Research your breed to get a sense of a fair price
If the purchase sounds too good to be true, it could possibly be a fraudulent offer
Conduct a reverse image search — if the same picture appears on multiple sites it is likely fraud
Consider your local animal shelter as an option
Westerra Credit Union is passionate about ensuring financial safety. Be alert throughout the holiday season, become familiar with the potential dangers and do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. If you suspect your information has been compromised, contact Westerra or the impacted financial institution right away. Enjoy this wonderful time of year by being precautious and shopping smart. Learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud, and keep your accounts and information safe on our Security Center.
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting our annual all staff meeting and afternoon of service, "Volunterra" this Thursday from 12:00-5:00 P.M. MDT. During this meeting staff will work together to build kits to help support our community.
Westerra is reaffirming its dedication to supporting local students and schools through a series of impactful initiatives that include comprehensive financial literacy programs, career development workshops, and more.
We are excited to announce the opening of our new Littleton location! Join us for our Grand Opening Event on October 5th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm where there will be swag, a raffle for 2 beach cruisers, refreshments and an opportunity to meet Dinger!
Our Belmar branch staff was happy to have joined the celebration with the Sekulich family of Army Sgt. John Sekulich, who turned 106 years young. Click “Read More” for a link to the interview.
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. government agency. Westerra is only 1 of 3 credit unions recognized on Newsweek's "2024 Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions" annual list.
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Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9408