{"id":7127,"date":"2024-11-13T16:31:01","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T16:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/?p=7127"},"modified":"2024-11-15T16:51:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T16:51:33","slug":"valley-fcu-tips-avoid-scams-identity-theft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/valley-fcu-tips-avoid-scams-identity-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Valley FCU Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams and Identity Theft"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\">The holiday rush can make anyone an easy target for scams, but staying vigilant is simple. Follow these tips from our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=vfcu&amp;sca_esv=884896eda14e76c3&amp;sxsrf=ADLYWIILakvnxWRAH4JqjuMkRzG_vMqYNg%3A1731689392496&amp;source=hp&amp;ei=sHs3Z_GtG8vgp84Puvj1OQ&amp;iflsig=AL9hbdgAAAAAZzeJwFVLuL-8xw8-EWrYoeaTFjFt-bWg&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjxxeTY5d6JAxVL8MkDHTp8PQcQ4dUDCBc&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=vfc&amp;gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IgN2ZmMyChAjGIAEGCcYigUyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBMg4QLhiABBixAxjRAxjHATILEC4YgAQYxwEYrwEyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDILEAAYgAQYsQMYgwFIzhFQAFidCHAAeACQAQCYAcUIoAH2F6oBBTYtMS4yuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIDoAKIGMICExAuGIAEGMcBGCcYigUYjgUYrwHCAgQQIxgnwgIREC4YgAQYsQMY0QMYgwEYxwHCAgsQLhiABBixAxjUAsICDhAAGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgIOEC4YgAQYsQMYgwEYigXCAggQABiABBixA5gDAJIHAzYtM6AHhiw&amp;sclient=gws-wiz#lrd=0x866f8193756a0c0f:0x3c8f832cfd7f744f,1,,,,\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Valley FCU<\/a> to enjoy a stress-free holiday season while keeping your personal information secure:<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Shop on Secure Websites<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Online shopping is more popular than ever, especially during the holidays. While deals and discounts are tempting, they also attract scammers. Here\u2019s how you can shop safely:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Use reputable online stores and check for secure website URLs (https).<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\">Avoid making purchases through unsolicited emails or unfamiliar marketplaces.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">Stick to traceable payment methods like credit cards or payment services with fraud protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Be Wary of Phony Delivery Scams<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Scammers often pose as delivery services, sending fake tracking links or texts to trick you into revealing personal information. Stay protected by:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Ignoring unsolicited messages about packages, especially if they ask for sensitive info.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\">Only track your deliveries through official carrier websites or apps.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">When in doubt, contact the retailer directly to verify any claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Strengthen Your Passwords<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">The holiday season is also a time when many accounts are hacked. Protect your online accounts by:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Creating strong, unique passwords for each account.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\">Enabling two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">Using a password manager to store and organize your login details securely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Watch Out for Skimming Devices<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Card skimming devices can steal your information during in-person purchases, especially at ATMs or gas stations. To avoid falling victim:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Use a card with contactless payment or \u201ctap-to-pay\u201d options.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\">If available, pay with your smartphone or use apps like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">Always inspect the card reader for anything unusual before inserting your card.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Public Wi-Fi networks can be an easy gateway for hackers to access your personal data. Instead of shopping while out and about:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Save your online purchases for when you&#8217;re on a secure, private network at home.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) to add security while using public Wi-Fi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Ignore Get-Rich-Quick Schemes<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Be cautious of job ads promising easy money during the holiday season. These often lead to phishing schemes or requests for sensitive information. Stick to safe practices by:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Avoid any \u00abwork-from-home\u00bb offers that seem too good to be true.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">Searching for legitimate seasonal jobs through trusted platforms or local businesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Verify Charitable Donation Requests<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Many people give to charities during the holidays, but scammers often exploit this generosity. Protect yourself by:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Research charities on trusted websites before donating.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\">Donating directly through official charity websites instead of third-party links.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">Avoiding donation requests made via unsolicited calls, emails, or social media.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Monitor Your Bank Accounts Regularly<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Monitor your bank and credit card accounts during the holiday season. Unusual activity can be a sign that someone has compromised your information. To stay ahead:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Set up alerts for any large transactions or suspicious activity.<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\">Review your account statements frequently to catch any unauthorized purchases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Use Credit Instead of Debit<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection than debit cards. If a scammer gets hold of your card, you&#8217;re more likely to recover your money quickly with a credit card. Credit cards often have built-in protections, such as temporary holds on suspicious transactions while the issue is investigated.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-captioned=\"\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DAl_2-pSnuu\/?utm_source=ig_embed&#038;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"><a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DAl_2-pSnuu\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Local Federal Credit Union (@valleyfederalcreditunion)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Download the Valley FCU Mobile Banking App<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">Don\u2019t let identity theft and holiday scams ruin your festivities. Stay informed, stay cautious, and focus on what matters most\u2014spending time with family and friends. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/savings-and-checking\/benefits-of-using-your-mobile-app\/\"><span class=\"s2\">Download the Valley FCU Mobile Banking App to<\/span><\/a> help you<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul2\">\n<li class=\"li3\">Track online purchases<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\">Submit mobile check deposits conveniently<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\">Use Zelle to pay holiday costs during quickly<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\">Add points on purchases through UChoose Rewards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The holiday rush can make anyone an easy target for scams, but staying vigilant is simple. Follow these tips from our Valley FCU to enjoy a stress-free holiday season while keeping your personal information secure: Shop on Secure Websites Online shopping is more popular than ever, especially during the holidays. While deals and discounts are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7128,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[59],"tags":[100],"class_list":["post-7127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips","tag-valley-fcu"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7127"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7127\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7128"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfcu.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}