The holidays bring out the best in people. Unfortunately, they can also bring out the worst in scammers. As the season of giving approaches, fraudsters ramp up their efforts to exploit generous hearts and distracted shoppers. From fake charities to too-good-to-be-true deals, holiday and charity scams cost consumers millions every year.
At NW Plus, we’re committed to keeping our members informed, secure, and empowered. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself (and your wallet) during the festive season.
Common Scams to Watch For
1. Fake Charity Solicitations
Fraudsters often pose as representatives of well-known nonprofits or create fake charities with names that sound real. These solicitations may arrive by phone, email, social media, or even text message, urging you to donate “before it’s too late.”
Warning Signs:
- Pressure to donate immediately
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card
- No clear website, mission, or contact information
2. Holiday Shopping Scams
Online scams are especially common this time of year. Criminals set up fake websites or social media stores offering deep discounts on popular holiday items, then disappear after collecting your money.
Watch Out For:
- Unusually low prices
- Poor website design or suspicious URLs
- No customer reviews or contact info
3. Gift Card Scams
Scammers often impersonate a boss, relative, or charity representative and request that you purchase gift cards, then send them the codes. Once those codes are used, the money is gone.
Reminder: No legitimate organization will ever ask for donations via gift cards.
4. Fake Crowdfunding Campaigns
While many use platforms like GoFundMe for real help, some scammers set up fake pages with stolen photos and emotional stories to tug at your heartstrings.
Always verify the legitimacy of a campaign before contributing.
Smart Ways to Stay Safe
At NW Plus, we believe knowledge is the best defense. Here are our top tips for staying secure:
Research Charities: Before donating, look up organizations on CharityNavigator.org, Give.org, or the IRS charity database.
Think Before You Click: Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or messages. Instead, type the organization’s URL directly into your browser.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Always use a credit card or secure payment service. Avoid cash, gift cards, or wire transfers for donations or online purchases.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Take your time before giving or buying.
How NW Plus Can Help
Your security is our priority. NW Plus offers:
- Fraud monitoring and alerts
- Secure online and mobile banking
- Access to member service support if you suspect a scam
- Educational resources to help you spot financial threats year-round
- If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, contact us immediately so we can help safeguard your account.
- You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Give with Confidence This Holiday Season
The holidays are about giving, connection, and compassion. With a little caution and awareness, you can spread generosity safely without falling victim to those looking to take advantage.
From all of us at NW Plus, we wish you a joyful, secure, and scam-free holiday season
Never share your account number, passwords, answers to security questions, or other account information. We will never ask you for this type of information when we call or email you. If someone claiming to be a NW Plus CU representative asks for sensitive account information over the phone or in an email, end the conversation immediately, and call us at 425.297.1000 or come to one of our branches to report the incident.
