Tis the Season for Scamming
According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), consumers lost more than $14.5 billion to fraud in 2024. That same year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that 2.6 million consumers submitted fraud complaints, proving that anyone is a target for fraudsters.
At Gulf Winds, our members’ safety is our top priority. In addition to knowing what scams are happening, it is also important to know the safety features of the cards you use daily. Our VISA Debit and Credit cards keep you safe with proactive fraud-fighting tools during online shopping or in-store purchases.
Here are some common holiday scams reported by the FBI:
Non-Delivery Scams
In these cases, scammers will sell you a product online and never deliver or ship it to you.
Tip: A good practice when buying online is to make sure to always get tracking numbers for any shipment, so you can follow the delivery process. Always double-check a store website’s URL for https to make sure that it is legitimate.
Non-Payment Scams
Some scammers pose as buyers online. They may request that your product be shipped or paid for with specific methods.
Tip: When using an online marketplace, taking the time to verify a buyer is real by checking feedback ratings or asking questions to verify their profile keeps you secure. Always listen to your intuition if something does not feel right.
Gift Card Fraud
Sometimes, sellers will scam by asking you to pay with a pre-paid gift card. They will ask for the gift card number and PIN, then never send you the item you purchased. In other cases, scammers will steal gift card information in stores and then leave the cards on the shelf waiting for a buyer to activate them.
Tip: When buying online, only pay using a trusted payment method, and check your bank statements regularly. While buying gift cards in the store, make sure that the gift card is intact and nothing has been scratched off or torn.
In addition to fraud schemes, crime is heightened during the holidays. While holiday shopping, make sure to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots. Keep your wallet somewhere safe and have a careful eye on those around you. If you feel that something is suspicious or not right, immediately alert a store attendant and get assistance bringing your purchases to your car.
For more information on the protection Gulf Winds products provide, visit www.GoGulfWinds.com.
If you have any concerns or fear you’ve been the victim of fraud, Gulf Winds is here to help. Visit www.GoGulfWinds.com/Security to learn more.