Stay Vigilant Against Holiday Scams: Protect Your Information This Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but it’s also a prime opportunity for fraudsters looking to take advantage of busy, distracted individuals. Scams involving text messages and phone calls have been on the rise during this time of year, making it more important than ever to protect your financial and personal information.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch For

One scam we’ve seen growing involves fraudulent text messages and phone calls from people pretending to be from financial institutions. Here’s how it typically works:

1. You might receive a text or automated call asking you to verify a purchase or transaction on your account.
2. If you respond, you may be transferred to a "live representative" who attempts to collect sensitive information, such as card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, or even online banking credentials.

How to Stay Safe

Here are key steps to protect yourself from falling victim to this or similar scams:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or calls: State ECU will never ask for your card expiration date, CVV, passwords, or account credentials via text or phone call.
• Do not share personal or account information: Avoid providing sensitive data to anyone over the phone or text unless you’ve verified their identity.
• Verify the source: If you’re unsure, hang up and call State ECU directly at 800-983-7328 to confirm the legitimacy of the contact.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you’ve received a suspicious message or phone call and suspect you may have shared your information, don’t panic—take immediate action:

1. Contact State ECU: Notify us right away so we can secure your accounts and assist you in preventing further damage.
2. Report Identity Theft: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan and access resources for managing the situation.
3. Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—to flag your account and prevent unauthorized access.
4. Review Account Activity: Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unfamiliar transactions.
5. Enable Account Security Features: Update your passwords and activate multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Holiday Security Checklist

During this busy season, here are additional tips to safeguard your information:

• Be cautious of links: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or text messages.
• Monitor your credit: Obtain your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com to ensure there’s no unusual activity.
• Consider a credit freeze: Lock your credit to prevent fraudsters from opening accounts in your name.

State ECU Is Here to Help

Your security is our priority. If you suspect fraud or need assistance, please contact us immediately at 1-800-983-7328. Together, we can work to keep your information safe and ensure your holidays are filled with peace of mind.

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and let’s keep this season joyous and scam-free!