Stay Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, filled with joy and togetherness. But it also brings increased fraud.  Fraudsters use pressure tactics and artificial intelligence to deceive people. At HFS FCU, we want to help you stay informed and protected so you can focus on what matters most—celebrating with your ‘ohana.

Be Wary of Online Shopping Fraud

When searching for the perfect gifts online, it’s important to be cautious of fake sellers. Many scammers create convincing websites and social media pages that look legitimate, making it hard to tell what’s real and what’s not.

What to Do:

1. Stick to trusted retailers. Take time to research sites and sellers before making a purchase. Reading reviews from multiple sources can help you determine if they’re genuine.
2. Check the website URL carefully. Type addresses directly into your browser instead of clicking on links in emails, messages, or social media. This simple step can help you avoid fake sites.
3. Question deals that seem too good to be true. If a price seems unrealistic, trust your instincts it probably is. For high-value items sold on social media, consider asking to see them in person before buying.

What Not to Do:

1. Don’t buy without doing your research. It’s easy to only rely on reviews found on a seller’s website or social media, but look for feedback from trusted third-party sources instead.
2. Don’t feel pressured to buy. Be cautious of phrases like selling fast or product being discontinued. These are tactics designed to prompt impulsive purchases.
3. Don’t pay with untraceable methods. Be wary if a seller insists on payment through gift cards, money orders, or cryptocurrencies. These methods are difficult to trace and recover if something goes wrong.

Keep Your Information Safe

1. Never share your account number, Social Security number, usernames and passwords, one-time login codes, or other sensitive information in response to unsolicited emails, calls, or messages.
2. HFS FCU will never call you unexpectedly to request sensitive information or to ask for control of your device.
3. Regularly check your accounts for any inconsistencies in balances, transactions, or contact details.
4. Remember that fraudsters may impersonate organizations like HFS FCU to steal your information.

We’re Here for You

We’re here to help protect you and your ‘ohana this holiday season. If you have any questions or concerns about potential scams, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your security and peace of mind matter to us.

Stay vigilant during this holiday shopping season!