News Release

GOSHEN — Popular shopping days are almost here. With Black Friday, Shop Local and Cyber Monday all happening within four days of each other, being vigilant and aware of fraud can help you stay safe during the kick off of the holiday season. It’s essential, as scammers often exploit the rush and excitement of holiday shopping.

Here are some effective strategies to protect yourself:

1. Shop from Trusted Retailers

• Stick to well-known, reputable websites and avoid clicking on unfamiliar ads, especially from social media or emails that seem too good to be true.

• If you’re using a smaller online shop, research the business by checking reviews, social media
presence, and customer feedback.

2. Look for Secure Payment Methods

• Use financial institution’s debit or credit card.

• Avoid wire transfers or payment apps with no buyer protection.

3. Check for Secure Websites

• Make sure the website uses HTTPS (look for a padlock icon in the address bar) to ensure your data is encrypted.

• Avoid entering personal or payment information on sites that don’t use HTTPS.

4. Beware of Phishing Emails and Texts

• Look out for holiday-themed phishing scams that offer fake deals or fake shipping confirmations.

• Verify any suspicious emails by directly going to the retailer’s official website rather than clicking
links in emails or texts.

5. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated

• Regularly update your phone, computer, and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on shopping sites and your email to add an extra layer of
protection.

6. Watch Out for Gift Card Scams

• Be wary of anyone asking for gift card payments, as this is a common fraud method. Legitimate
companies rarely, if ever, ask for gift card payments.

7. Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Statements

• Review your statements frequently for any unusual charges, especially after a big shopping spree.

• Set up alerts with your financial institution or credit card company to be notified of large or unusual transactions.

8. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

• Avoid making online purchases or entering payment information while on public Wi-Fi, as it’s often unsecured.

• If you must shop on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your connection.

9. Verify Charitable Donations

• If donating to charity, be sure to go directly to the official website or use trusted platforms. Look up charities on sites like Charity Navigator to confirm legitimacy.

10. Trust Your Instincts

• If a deal seems too good to be true or you feel pressured, take a step back. Scammers often useurgency to get people to act quickly.

These steps can help you stay safe, but consumers are encouraged to always be keenly aware, as new scams frequently appear during the holidays.

The community safety has been brought to you by Interra Credit Union. Interra currently operates 16 offices in Elkhart, LaGrange, Kosciusko, Marshall and Noble counties in Indiana.