How to Protect Your Wallet from Holiday Fraud and Cyber Scams

The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and celebration. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting individuals. From fraudulent emails to fake charity scams, these scammers use sophisticated tactics to exploit the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

One of their most common methods is SMS phishing, or “smishing,” which involves sending deceptive text messages designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link. If you’re unprepared, these cyber scams can steal personal information, compromise your financial safety, and dampen your holiday cheer.

Stay safe and secure this holiday season with these cyber-safety tips from GNCU:

⚠ Think Before You Click

Imagine receiving a text claiming to be from GNCU, asking you to verify your account by clicking a link. This is a classic smishing tactic. Before you tap, stop and think: Is this legitimate? GNCU will never ask for personal data, such as your login credentials, through a text message. If you’re unsure, contact us directly through the official channels and contact details on our website.

📝 Receive and Report

If you encounter a suspicious text, call, email, or alert claiming to be from Greater Nevada, report it immediately using GNCU’s official Member Report form. By taking this step, you’re not just protecting yourself but also helping to protect fellow members from potential scams and deeper impact. Reporting suspicious communications is a vital part of community vigilance—we appreciate every alert we receive!

**🎁 Holiday Hot-Tip: Set Up GNCU Account Alerts**

One of the easiest ways to safeguard your digital banking profile is by setting up account alerts. GNCU offers customizable alerts that notify you of account activity, such as transactions or balance changes. These alerts can help you spot unauthorized activity quickly and act before any harm is done.

🚩 Spot the Red Flags

Cybercriminals know how to prey on holiday emotions. Look out for these common red flags:

Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Offers that seem unrealistically generous often have a catch—a malicious link or a request for sensitive information. Be careful what you click!
Urgent Charity Requests: Scammers may pose as charitable organizations asking for immediate donations. Verify their legitimacy and locate the charity’s official donation source before giving.
Fake Invitations: “Holiday Party” RSVPs that require clicking a link could install malware on your device or lead to phishing sites collecting your personal information. Do you know the sender?

Stay cautious and trust your instincts when something feels off. These scams are designed to exploit your goodwill with festive cheer amongst regularly scheduled holiday distractions.

📞 Verify Your Contact

If a message or phone call doesn’t seem right, don’t act on it immediately. Instead, pause or end the interaction to verify the sender’s identity. Members should always contact GNCU directly using the official phone number listed on our website and report any suspicious activity or communications. These extra steps can prevent you from falling victim to an in-progress scam and ensure you interact with a trusted source.

🤝 Spread the Word

Protecting yourself from holiday scams is important, but spreading awareness is just as vital. Share these best practices with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. The more people know about holiday fraud, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed. Help create a ripple effect of safety and vigilance.

How GNCU Protects Its Members

At GNCU, safeguarding your finances is our top priority. We employ advanced security measures to monitor accounts for suspicious activity, provide secure digital banking platforms, and offer resources to help you navigate and resolve fraud concerns. Our Fraud and Disputes Resolution Center is your go-to hub for understanding how we protect you—our members—and the steps we take to prevent fraudulent activity with your help and on your behalf.

Whether it’s through proactive fraud detection or educational tools, we’re committed to ensuring your financial safety—so you can focus on enjoying the season without worry.

Learn to Spot Phishing Scams

Phishing attempts aren’t limited to text messages. Fraudsters also use email, social media, and even phone calls to trick people into revealing personal information. Our guide, 5 Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams, can help you recognize the warning signs and protect yourself from these common traps.

Bank Imposters Are on the Rise

Have you ever received a call or text from someone claiming to represent your bank? Scammers often impersonate financial institutions to gain trust. Learn more about their tactics and how to stay vigilant in our blog post, 4 Ways Bank Imposters Try to Scam You.

Stay Safe on Payment Apps

Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Venmo or Zelle make transactions convenient, but they can also be a target for scammers. Protect your accounts by understanding the risks and following the tips outlined in our blog, Stay Safe: Avoiding P2P Scams on Payment Apps.

Keep Your Holidays Merry and Bright

At GNCU, we’re here to help protect what matters most—our members. Whether it’s safeguarding your online transactions or avoiding phishing scams, these tips and resources provide valuable insights to keep your finances secure during the holidays and beyond. This season should be a time of celebration, not stress over cybersecurity threats. If you have questions or concerns about your account or potential scams, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

Together, we can ensure this holiday season remains merry, bright, and scam-free.