SUMMARY
- Never share personal info via text or phone
- Verify websites before shopping online
- Review requests for donations
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi
- Monitor your accounts regularly
- Don’t use USB chargers in public spaces
- Be cautious of vacation rentals or offers that seem too good to be true
Summer is almost here. For many, this is the season for travel, shopping, and relaxing, but it’s also a time when scammers take advantage of distracted consumers. Whether you’re at home or on vacation, knowing how to avoid scams, protect your personal information, and prevent fraud is essential year-round.
Keep reading for common scams to watch out for, how to prevent identity theft, and online safety tips that can help you stay protected.
1. Smishing and Phishing Scams
Imagine you’re lounging by the pool when you get a text or email from what you believe to be your bank claiming there is suspicious activity on your account that must be resolved immediately. This text or email could be part of a smishing (scam text) or phishing (scam email) attack, a message pretending to be from a bank or financial institution.
Scammers may even include partial personal details to gain your trust.
What to do if you receive a smishing scam (fake text).
- Do not click on links in unexpected text or email messages
- Never share passwords, PINs, or personal information
- Delete suspicious text messages or emails immediately
- Contact your financial institution directly using a verified phone number; do NOT use the phone number in the text or email, as it too can be fake. Play it safe. Use the phone number on your statement, the back of your credit card, or from a trusted online source.
2. Online Shopping Scams and Fake Retail Websites
Getting ready for a vacation also means online shopping for hotels, tickets, clothes, and more. While online shopping is convenient, it comes with risks. Scammers create fake websites and apps that look like legitimate retailers to steal your payment and personal information.
How to stay safe when shopping online.
- Check website URLs carefully for misspellings or unusual domains that end in something other than .com or .gov. Be mindful of the website’s spelling, for example, amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com.
- Read refund and return policies before making a purchase
- Using a credit card may provide additional protections compared to other payment methods. Monitor transactions for unauthorized charges
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, such as hard-to-find items at extremely low prices
3. Charity and Disaster Relief Scams
Summer often brings natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and severe storms, along with an increase in charity scams and fraudulent donation requests. Scammers may pose as legitimate organizations or create fake fundraising campaigns to take advantage of people’s willingness to help.
How to stay safe when donating.
- Verify charities through trusted sites like Charity Navigator or the IRS database
- Donate directly through official organization websites, not links in emails or texts
- Be cautious of high-pressure requests or emotional appeals
- Avoid giving cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency donations
- Keep records of your donations for verification and tax purposes
4. Imitation Websites
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, creating fake websites that closely mimic real brands. These sites are designed to capture your login credentials and payment information.
How to identify fake websites.
- Look for “https” (the “s” stands for secure connection) in the URL; note that even with an “s,” scammers can still create a secure-looking fake site, so don’t rely on this alone
- Watch for spelling errors, poor grammar, or unusual phrasing or use of language
- Check for privacy policies, terms of use, legal disclosures, and legitimate business information; if they are missing or poorly written, the site may not be trustworthy
- Avoid sites that seem rushed, incomplete, or suspicious
- Verify contact information, such as their physical address, that their phone number and email are the same as those on your credit card or statements
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
5. Public Wi-Fi Risks and Data Theft
When traveling, and even when you’re at home, using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels may seem convenient, but it can expose your personal data to hackers. These networks are often unsecure, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept your information.
How to stay safe on public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid logging into banking or shopping accounts
- Use mobile data instead of public networks when possible
- Avoid reusing passwords across accounts
- Disconnect from networks after use
6. USB Charging Stations and “Juice Jacking” Scams
Running out of battery on your mobile device while traveling can be frustrating. However, before plugging into a public USB charging station, commonly found in airports, hotels, and transit hubs, it’s important to be aware of a potential cybersecurity risk known as “juice jacking.” This occurs when a compromised USB port is used to install malware on your device or access sensitive information such as passwords, financial data, or contacts.
How to stay safe when charging your devices.
- Avoid plugging directly into public USB ports
- Use your own wall charger or a portable power bank; plug directly into an electrical outlet
- Carry a USB data blocker (sometimes called a “juice jack blocker”), a small adapter that allows power to pass through but blocks data transfers)
- Use charging cables that only allow power, not data transfer
- Choose “charge only” if you’re prompted to “trust this computer/device” or “share data.”
7. Travel and Vacation Scams
Summer travel season brings a rise in vacation scams, including fake rental listings, fraudulent booking sites, and phishing emails posing as airlines or hotels. Scammers often create deals that look too good to pass up, then collect deposits or personal information without delivering legitimate reservations.
How to stay safe when booking travel.
- Book through trusted, well-known travel websites or verified property listings
- Avoid paying with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Be cautious of deals that seem unusually cheap or urgent
- Confirm reservations directly with the hotel, airline, or host
- Watch for phishing emails requesting login or payment information
Contact us before you go away.
If you are planning a trip and anticipate using your FIGFCU Credit Cards, submit a travel notification through our online digital banking platform to help us better monitor your FIGFCU Credit Card for unusual activity while you are traveling.
Final thoughts: Stay alert and protect your financial information.
Vacations are a wonderful opportunity to relax, unwind, and let your cares drift away. When it comes to security, you can’t afford to let your guard down. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself year-round. By understanding common fraud schemes, online scams, and identity theft risks, you can take simple steps to keep your personal and financial information secure.
Whether you’re traveling, shopping online, or just going about your daily routine, maintaining awareness and practicing safe online habits can make all the difference. For more tips on fraud prevention and financial security, visit our Security Center and Current Scams page on our website. While these steps can help reduce risk, they may not prevent all fraud or scams. If you believe you have experienced fraud or unauthorized activity, contact us immediately using the number on your statement or our official website.
This article is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as financial or legal advice. Information provided may not apply to all situations and does not guarantee the prevention of fraud. Members should contact the Credit Union for guidance regarding their individual situation.
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