What To Do If You Suspect Holiday Fraud
At Gulf Winds Credit Union, your safety is at the center of everything we do. Our Fraud team works every day to monitor threats, strengthen our security practices, and help members respond quickly when something does not feel right. The holidays bring extra excitement, but also extra risks, and we want you to know that you always have a trustworthy place to turn.
If you believe you have been targeted by fraud, or even if something simply feels suspicious, take a breath and follow the steps below.
1. Trust Your Instincts
Fraud can begin with something small. Maybe it is a rushed phone call, a message asking for unusual payment methods, or a request for personal information that does not make sense.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains common signs of scams in their article on What To Do If You Were Scammed. They highlight that scammers often want gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency because these are hard to trace. If you feel pressured, or uneasy, it is important to take that seriously.
Gulf Winds also provides guidance to help you identify suspicious communication on our Security webpage. We remind members that caller ID can be faked, and scammers often pretend to be trusted institutions.
If something feels off, your instincts are doing exactly what they are meant to do.
2. Contact Gulf Winds Right Away
If you think your card or account may have been compromised, reach out to us immediately. Our fraud team will help secure your accounts and walk you through the next steps.
If you need to dispute a transaction, you can also follow the simple steps within our Digital Banking. Select the transaction in question and choose “Dispute Transactions.”
You do not need to navigate any of this alone. We are ready to help.
3. Report the Fraud to the FTC
Once you have contacted Gulf Winds, the next recommended step is to submit a report with the FTC. This helps protect both you and other people in our community.
Using the FTC’s official website for reporting fraud, you can report suspected scams even if you did not lose money. The FTC uses these reports to track patterns and share warnings with the public. Additionally, these reports are shared with more than 2,800 law enforcers to stay a step ahead in keeping the community safe from suspected fraud.
4. Strengthen Your Protection
A few simple actions can help prevent additional harm:
Create a Fraud Alert and Review Credit Reports
If you suspect that you have been victim of identity theft or another scam, the first step is to put a fraud alert on your credit file with all three credit-reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Placing a fraud alert is free, renewable, and stays on your credit report for 90 days.
After you place a fraud alert on your credit reports, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report from each agency. Read the reports; check to see if your name, address, Social Security number, accounts, and other information are correct.
Change Your Passwords and Secure Your Devices
If your phone or computer has been lost or stolen, or if you shared log in information, it is important to reset your passwords and secure your accounts.
The FTC has created a Guide for What To Do If Your Device Is Lost or Stolen.
5. Keep a Record of What Happened and a Close Eye on Your Accounts
Write down every detail you can. This includes dates, times, phone numbers, emails, screenshots, and notes about suspicious activity. Documentation makes fraud investigations and disputes smoother.
Gulf Winds offers features that increase safety for your accounts, including transaction alerts for suspicious activity through our Digital Banking, and monthly e-statements for review.
Being targeted by fraud can feel overwhelming, especially during a time that should be filled with joy. Please remember that many people experience this, and it does not reflect anything about your awareness or character. Scammers are skilled at creating pressure and confusion.
What matters most is that you reach out, take action, and connect with people who can help.
At Gulf Winds, we are more than a credit union. We are your neighbors and your partners in financial well-being. With the support of your community and FTC’s resources, you can move forward with confidence and peace.
When we stay informed together, our whole community becomes stronger.