‘Tis the season for fraudsters to take advantage of the holidays. 2020 has been a challenge for us for all, and we want to do our best to make sure you are protected from additional challenges like fraud and scams that can pop up over the holiday season. Keep an eye out for some of these common scams:

 

Charity Rip-offs

Scammers can pose as charitable organizations for well-known causes or help for victims of COVID-19. Whether approached by email, telephone, or in person, be sure to protect yourself and never give cash or credit card information via email or phone. If you are considering donating to a  charity, try searching its name plus “scam” or “compliant.” To be safe when making a donation, a credit card or check is best, and keep a record of your donations.

 

Phishing

Phishing works in different ways, but in the most common scenario, a scammer posts an appealing link as bait and then re-directs you to a different website. Best case? You’ll be taken to a shady website. But in the worst-case situations, clicking the link infects your computer with a virus that steals your personal info or locks your computer until you agree to pay the scammer a ransom fee.

The simple solution? Think before you click. Verify the source is not a spoofed website and double-check the URL to make sure the spelling is correct, begins with “https,” and look for the small lock icon confirming it is a secure site. Some holiday phishing scams come from emails or SMS messages that pretend to confirm online orders with bogus links to more information.

 

Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing is a relatively new cyberattack scheme that is on the rise and affecting online users around the globe. With this method, cybercriminals compile stolen login credentials from previous security breaches (such as Yahoo, Facebook, Door Dash, etc.).  The cybercriminals then use these stolen credentials to search for online accounts that may use the same Login ID and password combinations.  

The best way to thwart credential stuffing is to change your password on all your accounts and use a long, complex password that is unique for each account.  Avoid using the same password on multiple accounts. Also, change your login ID to one that is equally long and unique.

If you need help managing your passwords, consider using a password manager, such as 1Password or LastPass, to help.

 

As a Chartway member, keeping your account and personal information protected is always a top priority for us.  

Protect your personal information:

  • Chartway will NEVER contact you directly (by phone, email, or text) and ask for specific confidential information, including your:
    • Debit or Credit Card Number
    • Personal Identification Number (PIN)
    • Security (CVV) code on back of card
    • Online Banking username or password
    • Social Security number
  • You should always be wary of any emails, messages, or phone calls that request your confidential information, like your account numbers, login IDs, PINs and passwords, or any other personally identifiable information. 
  • Ask the caller for their name and a number that you can call them back at. If this number doesn’t match the one they called you from, this is a major red flag.
  • Many fraudsters use scare tactics, such as threatening to disable your account. Don't feel pressured into providing information.
  • Never click on links in email or text, unless you are absolutely certain of who sent it.
  • As always, you should frequently review your account history for any unusual transactions. 

Remember: Chartway will never solicit your personal information over the phone or by email.

If you ever suspect unauthorized activity on your Chartway account, please call us at (800) 678-8765. We’re here to help keep your financial accounts safe and secure.