As the holidays approach, now is a good time to take a look at some of the newest scams that are occurring across the country.

• Spoofing: Current technology allows fraudsters to display false Caller ID info with their call. If you receive a call that seems to be from a trusted organization but they’re asking you to give or verify any sensitive information, hang up and call the organization directly. Remember that GE Credit Union staff will NEVER call you to ask for sensitive information such as your debit or credit card number, social security number, or online or mobile banking log-in credentials.
• Fake USPS text messages:  The U.S. Postal Service does not send text messages or emails unless you signed up for them and enter a tracking number first.
• False delivery-service texts: Beware messages that come from a “driver” who can’t find your house. When you click on the link, they may install credential-stealing malware onto your device.
• Gift cards are never an acceptable payment method for a legitimate business. Remember that once you give someone a gift card, there is no way to get your money back.
• Grandma, I need money! Beware calls from a relative who claims to be in need of money. Fraudsters can now use A.I. to imitate the voice of your loved ones to trick you into giving over credit card numbers or other financial information. If you receive a call asking for money urgently, ask them something that only the real person would know like the name of a pet, the nickname of a family member, or where your family went on a special vacation.

Learn more about current scams and how to avoid them, how to report scams and illegal robocalls, and what to do if you are the victim of a scam, at the FTC’s page on Frauds, Scams and Alerts.