As the holiday season approaches, there is a noticeable increase in fraudulent activities and cybercrimes. Scammers and fraudsters become more active, attempting to take advantage of increased shopping activity and urgent need of additional funds. 

Key Points to be Aware of:

Phishing Scams: Fraudsters often use phishing emails and text messages that appear to be from the bank, retailers, or shipping companies. They may request personal information, account details, or payment information. Verify the authenticity of any such communication before responding.

Malicious Links: Be cautious of links in emails or text messages. These links may lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or install malware. Always double-check URLs before clicking.

Gift Card Scams: Scammers may trick victims into purchasing gift cards as a form of payment. They may impersonate loved ones, government agencies, or utility companies. Verify the legitimacy of any such requests.

Fraudulent Transactions: Keep an eye out for unusual account activity. Check online banking, mobile banking or statements frequently and promptly report any suspicious activities to our Fraud Team.

Social Engineering: Scammers can be highly persuasive and may attempt to manipulate you through phone calls or in-person visits. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information with strangers, whether on the phone or in person.

Secure Online Shopping: Only use secure websites (look for "https://") for online shopping and ensure that your devices have up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software.  Be cautious using any online retailer that doesn’t have a well known reputation.    

What can you do?  

If you encounter a situation that appears suspicious or fraudulent, please report it to our Fraud Team immediately. They are here to support you in handling these issues and ensuring the safety of your financial assets.

For additional information about online scams and cybercrime visit our website: https://www.myunionstate.bank/services/mobile-and-online-banking/online-security-tips

Please Report Scams

If you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

• Call the FTC at

1-877-FTC-HELP

(1-877-382-4357)

or TTY

1-866-653-4261.

• Go online: ftc.gov/complaint

Your report can help protect other people. By reporting fraud, you can help the FTC’s investigators

identify the scammers and stop them before they

can get someone’s hard-earned money. It really makes a difference.

Information provided courtesy of Federal Trade Commission. FTC.gov/PassItOn