Tag: scams

5 Amazon Scams You Need to Know About

by Advantage One, posted in App Reviews, Lifestyle, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

When it comes to convenience, service and sheer scope of products, nothing beats Amazon. The world’s largest and most popular online marketplace is the 21st century shopper’s go-to for virtually any product under the sun. Unfortunately, though, Amazon is also rife with scammers. Here are five Amazon scams and tips from the e-commerce giant for protecting yourself from falling victim to these schemes.

  1. Update your order

In this scam, a shopper places an order on Amazon and waits for it to arrive. Before it shows up at their doorstep, though, they receive a phone call or written notification via email or text message, informing them that there is an issue with their account. It further claims that the customer must update or confirm their information before they can receive their purchase. The contact may ask the target to re-share their payment information or other personally identifiable information (PII). Often, the target believes the request is legit and willingly shares this information.

Don’t get scammed: If you’re asked to update your payment information and/or something seems off, go directly into your Amazon account and check the “Your Orders” section. If you aren’t prompted to update your payment method on that screen, the message you received is from a scammer. Amazon will never ask for payment over the phone, by text or via email.

  1. You’re owed a refund

In this scam, a target receives a text or email stating they’ve been overcharged for a recent Amazon purchase and are owed a refund. The target is directed to call the provided phone number. When they call, an alleged Amazon rep will ask to be granted access to the target’s computer so they can issue the refund. Unfortunately, doing that will give a scammer direct access to the victim’s computer and financial accounts. 

Don’t get scammed: Any notification from Amazon will be available on the company’s website. If you are owed a refund, you’ll find all the information you need to know within your secure account.

  1. Off-platform payments

In this scam, a target finds a product they’d like to purchase on Amazon. However, when they try to complete the transaction, the seller asks them to follow a link for an off-platform payment, usually via a P2P payment platform like Zelle or Venmo. While these platforms may be secure, completing the purchase off Amazon’s site or app means losing all purchase protection that Amazon provides. The customer will also likely end up with a faulty product, or no product at all. 

Don’t get scammed: Authentic Amazon sellers will never ask for payment outside the actual Amazon site. 

  1. Amazon Prime Video scams

In this scam, consumers looking to set up Amazon Prime Video on their SmartTV are lured into bogus sites by clicking on pop-up ads including keywords like “Set up Prime on TV”. The fake sites look identical to Amazon’s SmartTV setup page, so the victim believes they’ve landed on the correct page. The target will be asked to enter Amazon’s six-digit code on their TV and then call the phone number the site provides. Once on the phone with a victim, the scammers will direct them into sharing the two-factor authentication code that was sent to their device via Amazon. Unfortunately, if the target complies, they’ll be giving a scammer access to their Amazon account. Don’t get scammed: Never share your passwords, authorization codes and/or login credentials over the phone. If you need to set up Amazon Prime Video on your SmartTIV, visit

Amazon’s website directly and follow the instructions here. It’s also good to know that all legitimate Amazon websites have a dot before “amazon.com,” such as “pay.amazon.com”. Any link to a website that contains the words “amazon” but does not follow this rule is a scammy site.

  1. Mystery boxes, prizes and crazy-low deals

Here, a scammer tries to snag a victim by offering something that sounds too good to miss. Of course, it’s also too good to be true. The scam may take the form of a “mystery box” sold on Amazon, prizes the target has randomly “won” or deals that practically give the item away. In each of these cases, the victim receives a message allegedly from Amazon, claiming they’ve won a prize. It may also promote a mystery box sale or a once-in-a-lifetime deal. The victim will be directed to click a link or call a number to receive the prize or item. Of course, doing so will lead them right into the hands of the scammer, who will ask for their PII, or download malware onto their computer. 

Don’t get scammed: Never follow a seller’s directions away from the actual Amazon site. Also, if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Stay alert and follow the tips mentioned here to enjoy shopping on the world’s largest marketplace without compromising on your safety.

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Impersonate an Amazon scammer using one of the schemes described above or another one you’ve come across. Catch us in your scam … if you can!

AI Fraud and How to Protect Yourself

by Advantage One, posted in online security, security, Tips & Best Practices

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work. Unfortunately, though, it’s also revolutionizing the way scammers con unsuspecting victims into sharing their personally identifiable information and their money. Here’s what you need to know about AI fraud and how to protect yourself.

What is AI fraud?

AI fraud is the use of artificial intelligence to deceive or defraud individuals or organizations. When using artificial intelligence to pull off a scam, fraudsters use AI algorithms to create convincing fake identities, manipulate social media, generate realistic fake images and videos (AKA “deepfakes”) and more. The scammers then create fake social media profiles and email addresses using these bogus identities and footage. Often, they’ll pretend to represent celebrities or other famed personalities for soliciting money and information. 

In another form of AI fraud, scammers use social engineering tactics to trick people into giving them their personal information or money. They may create fake websites or emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as financial institutions or government agencies, and ask people to provide their personal information or login credentials.

AI fraud is especially dangerous because its sophistication makes it difficult to detect. Thanks to AI technology, scammers appear to be legitimate, increasing the likelihood that people will fall for their scams.

Types of AI Fraud

AI fraud is executed in several forms, including:

  • Phishing
  • Identity theft
  • Deepfakes
  • Fake news
  • Social media manipulation
  • Chatbot scams
  • Fraudulent financial advice

Each type of AI fraud has its own unique characteristics and risks. 

Red flags

Are you being targeted by AI fraud? These red flags may be your first clue of an AI scam:

  • Multiple unsolicited emails and/or text messages
  • Being asked to provide personal information or login credentials by an unverified contact
  • Unusual and/or unexplained activity on your social media accounts
  • Receiving financial advice that seems too good to be true

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to be cautious and investigate further. If the contact claims to represent a government agency, do not engage. Reach out directly to the agency that supposedly contacted you to see if the communication is legit. Follow the same steps if you’ve been contacted by an alleged representative of Advantage One Credit Union and something about the interaction has set alarm bells ringing in your head. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to your personally identifiable information and your money. 

Protect  yourself

You don’t have to wait to be targeted by AI fraud to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Keep your money and information secure by following these precautions at all times:

  • Never share sensitive information online with an unverified contact.
  • Always check the URL of each landing page when banking online or using another platform to share sensitive information. Look for the “s” after the “http” and the padlock icon, as well as the correct spelling of the company’s website to ensure you haven’t been lured into a look-alike scammy site. 
  • Use strong, unique passwords across all of your accounts. 
  • Keep your device’s security on its strongest setting.
  • Be wary of messages from celebrities asking for money or information.
  • Use updated antivirus software on your personal devices.

If you’ve been targeted

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of AI fraud, it is important to act quickly to mitigate the damage. First, contact Advantage One Credit Union at 734-676-7000 to let us know your information has been compromised. Similarly, reach out to your credit card companies to let them know about the fraud. Next, report the fraud to the FTC so they can take appropriate measures in catching the humans behind the bot-generated scam. 

Finally, you’ll also want to change your passwords and login credentials and consider a credit freeze. Finally, if your identity has been stolen, reach out to identitytheft.gov to learn your next steps.

AI fraud is a growing concern, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Follow the tips outlined here and stay safe.

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Use the info in this blog to impersonate an AI fraudster in a 15-second video.

Beware Check Washing Scams

by Advantage One, posted in Checking, security, Tips & Best Practices

When Midge Laurin, of Chicago, Illinois, mailed out a $30 check, she had no idea it would be intercepted by a scammer and written out to someone else to the tune of $9,475. Check-washing scams like this are on the rise, and can leave victims struggling to reclaim their lost funds for months. Here’s what you need to know about these scams and how to avoid them.

How the scams play out

In a check-washing scam, the target places a check in the mail, and it is then stolen by scammers who nick envelopes from private mailboxes or lift them out of public mailboxes using “fishing rods” made of strings attached to a sticky substance. With check in hand, the scammer uses ordinary household chemicals, like acetone or bleach, to erase the ink off the stolen checks. Finally, they’ll rewrite the numbers and/or the payee before depositing the checks into their own accounts. 

Sometimes, the scammer will take the ruse one step further by using the checking account details found on the check to commit further crimes against the check-writer. This may include producing counterfeit checks in the victim’s name, as well as fake IDs, driver’s licenses and passports. The victim may only learn about these crimes when they begin receiving overdraft notices or are informed that their ID is no longer valid.

Protect yourself

Unfortunately, check washing may not be discovered for weeks, or even months after its occurrence. Sometimes, the victim will only learn of the ruse when they review their monthly checking account statement and see that the check amount and/or payee has been altered. Or, they may only find out about it when the intended recipient reaches out to let the check-writer know they still have not received the check. The scam’s discovery is more likely to be delayed when the scammers have not modified any information on the check and have simply stolen and deposited a check made out to “cash”. 

In addition, many financial institutions do not offer complete protection on fraud that is not reported within a few days of its occurrence. Some offer partial protection for up to 60 days.

Law enforcement agencies on local and federal levels, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI, have task forces to help stop check washing. They offer the following strategies for keeping your checks and your information safe from scams:

  • Whenever possible, use mobile and online banking services and P2P systems as a replacement for checks.
  • When writing checks, use black ink, preferably the gel kind. The ink found in blue ballpoint pens can be easily removed with acetone.
  • Don’t raise your mailbox flag when there are bill payments inside. Hand this mail directly to your carrier or mail it from the post office.
  • Retrieve your mail daily and never leave the mailbox full overnight. If you’ll be traveling, you can arrange for the post office to hold your mail for up to 30 days. Alternatively, have a friend or trusted neighbor retrieve your mail so it doesn’t pile up.
  • When mailing checks, use envelopes that have security tinting.
  • Shred or burn all canceled checks, checks deposited through your mobile app, credit card statements and bills. 
  • Review your checking account activity frequently. Ensure all checks have cleared for the correct amounts and to the correct payees. You can generally access this information through your financial institution’s mobile banking app or website.
  • Store your checks in a secure place within your home.
  •  Avoid making checks out to “cash”. Instead, write out your checks to a specific person or business.

Check washing can wreak havoc on a victim’s finances before they even know it’s occurred. Follow the tips outlined here to keep your checks safe.

TikTok Inspo: Have you side-stepped a check-washing scam? Tell us your story in a 15-second video.

Don’t Fall for a Home Improvement Scam

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, security, Tips & Best Practices

Scammers are always looking for new ways to deceive people for a quick buck. With home improvement season upon us, related scams are common. Here are some of the most common home improvement scams and how to avoid them.

The door-to-door scam

Knock-knock. There’s a scammer at the door! They’ve shown up, pretending to be a contractor or representatives of a home improvement company. They may offer to do work for a low price or even for free, claiming they’ve just finished working in the neighborhood and have extra materials, so they’re happy to work at a reduced or no cost. 

Cheap or free labor sounds amazing, doesn’t it? And it is – until you realize the “contractor” is unlicensed or not insured, uses subpar materials and does shoddy work. They may also try to get you to sign a contract on the spot, not leaving you any time to research or get competing quotes. 

Stay safe: Never hire a contractor on the spot. Always ask for proof of license and insurance and references of previous clients. 

The high-pressure sales scam

“If I leave here without a signed contract, the deal’s gone!” Some scammers use high-pressure tactics to get you. They may offer a special deal you can only get for a very limited time. It’s take it (now) or leave it. Unfortunately, though, these tactics are only a ploy to pressure you into making a decision before you’re able to think twice. They may also hide extra fees or charges in the contract, and/or promise things that they cannot deliver.

Stay safe: Never rush to hire a contractor. Don’t be swayed by limited-time offers, and always read the contract carefully before signing.

The “as seen on TV” scam

Some home improvement scams use the “as seen on TV” approach to trick you into thinking their product or service is endorsed by a reputable source. They claim their service has been featured on a popular TV show, but these claims are false or exaggerated. 

Stay safe: Always do your research and read reviews from other customers on multiple platforms before hiring a contractor. Don’t assume claims of popularity are legit without verifying them first.

Follow these tips to protect yourself from a home improvement scam. Stay safe!

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Try impersonating a home improvement scammer using one of the ruses described above.

Free Vacation Scams

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Congrats – you’ve won an all-expense paid vacation to the Bahamas! It’s a dream come true! Or is it? Unfortunately, if you receive notification that you’ve landed a free luxury vacation, you’ve likely been targeted by a scam. Here’s what you need to know about free vacation scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim.

How the scams play out

In a free vacation scam, a target will receive a letter, email or text message informing them that they’ve just won a sweepstakes for a free luxury vacation. They’ll be asked to pay a small fee or tax to help process the prize. Alternatively, they may be asked to share their credit card information before they can claim the prize. Sadly, after paying the fee, they’ll never hear from the sweepstakes company again.

In another variation of this scam, the target is asked to attend a “short” meeting before they can claim their prize. This turns out to be a prolonged and overt sales pitch for a time-share purchase or travel-club membership. There may be vouchers for the promised vacation at the end of the class, but they can only be used for specific dates that may not work for the target, and require all sorts of additional fees before the “free” vacation can be redeemed. Also, if the victim signs up for what the scammer is selling, they’ll be charged hefty membership fees with few and/or hard-to-access benefits. When they try to cancel this nightmare membership, they’ll find a tangle of rules and regulations, and may find themselves stuck paying a monthly fee for a full year or more.

Red flags

Look out for these red flags to help you spot a possible free vacation scam:

  • You’re told you’ve won a sweepstakes you know you’ve never entered.
  • You’re asked to pay a fee or tax before a prize you won can be processed.
  • You’re highly pressured to sign up for a time-share purchase or travel club membership.
  • You’re told a free vacation offer with a club membership purchase is a one-time-only deal and that you must act quickly to avoid missing out.
  • You’re asked to share your credit card information to claim a free vacation you’ve allegedly won.

Protect yourself

Follow these tips to keep yourself safe from free vacation scams:

  • Never share personal information with an unverified contact.
  • Never agree to pay a “processing fee” or “tax” to claim a prize.
  • If a caller insists on payment via gift card or wire transfer, hang up.
  • Always read the fine print and do careful research before you sign up for a time-share or club membership. Look up online reviews, ask to speak to current clients or members and be sure to have a clear understanding of the cancellation policy before you join.
  • Be wary of club memberships that promise a lot of benefits for very little money. 

If you’re targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a vacation scam, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. 

First, if you’ve paid the “processing fee” or “tax” with a credit card, be sure to dispute the charge as soon as possible. If you’ve shared your credit card information, cancel the card and consider placing a credit freeze on your name. Finally, let the FTC know about the scam so they can do their part in catching the scammers. If you’ve been targeted by a travel company, you can also alert the BBB so they can update their ratings and take appropriate action.

Responsible behavior never goes on vacation. Follow the tips outlined here to keep safe from a free vacation scam.

Your Turn: Have you been targeted by a free vacation scam? Tell us about it in the comments. 

Don’t Get Caught in a Charity Scam

by Advantage One, posted in Convenience, Lifestyle, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Sharing your blessings through charity is a truly wonderful way to give back. Unfortunately, though, scammers are out in full force to hijack the kindness of charity-givers everywhere to get at their money and their information. Here’s what you need to know about charity scams and how to protect yourself. ` 

How the scams play out

In a charity scam, a scammer or scam ring will target victims via phone call, by advertising on popular social media platforms and websites or by sending out mass emails with embedded links. The scammer pretends to represent a well-known charity, such as Make-A-Wish, or a popular cause, such as emergency relief funds for victims of a recent natural disaster. They’ll ask the target to make a donation toward their organization, and sometimes to share personally identifiable information as well. Sadly, though, instead of these funds going to help a charity, they only go to line the scammer’s pockets.

Red flags

Look out for these red flags, which can alert you to the fact that you may be, or have been, targeted by a charity scam:

  • You’re asked to share personal information, like your Social Security number, when making a donation.
  • You’re pressured into making a donation now.
  • You’re thanked for a donation you’ve allegedly made in the past, which you know you’ve never made.
  • When asked how your donation will be used, you’re given vague, evasive responses that don’t really answer your question.
  • You’re guaranteed to win a sweepstakes if you make a donation.
  • The “charity’s” website is full of typos and grammatical errors.
  • An organization with a name that closely resembles a well-known charity solicits a donation from you.
  • The alleged charity will only accept donations via prepaid debit card or gift card.
  • When you ask that the charity not call you again, they disregard your request.

Give with caution

Don’t let talk of scams hold you back from giving. Instead, learn these basic rules for giving safely:

  • Give to established charities you know and trust. Be wary of “charities” having names that are very similar to well-known organizations.
  • When donating to a new charity, verify its authenticity on a charity-vetting site, like Charity Navigator, GuideStar or CharityWatch. You can also Google the charity along with the word “scam” to see if there’s anything suspect about this organization.
  • Never click on embedded links or open email attachments from an unverified contact. 
  • Contact the charity you wish to donate to on your own instead of clicking on an ad or link.
  • Check the URL of the charity’s website for accurate spelling, and note that most legitimate charities have a URL ending in .org; not .com.
  • When planning to make a donation by phone, visit the charity’s website to make sure you have the correct number.
  • Don’t share personally identifiable information via email, phone or in any other way with an unverified contact. 
  • Be super-wary of social media posts soliciting donations. If using text-to-donate, verify the number with the charity before making your donation.
  • When donating to a charity, it’s best to use a credit card for optimal purchase protection.

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a charity scam, there are steps you can take to help various law enforcement agencies catch the scammers. First, report the scam to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Next, you can alert the FTC at FTC.gov. Finally, if the scam involves financial aid for a recent natural disaster, you can report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud.

Charity scams vilify a beautiful deed, but you don’t have to let them ruin it for you. Use the advice offered in this guide to help recognize a charity scam and give safely.

Don’t Get Caught in a Non-Delivery Scam

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, security, Tips & Best Practices

With the holidays approaching, and online shopping reaching its annual peak, scammers are out in full force to get at your money and your purchases. There are many scams to watch for this time of year, from online “retailers” phishing for information as you shop to brazen porch thieves who swipe delivered packages from doorsteps and so many more. The non-delivery scam can be particularly difficult to spot, and recovery is nearly impossible. Here’s what you need to know about this scam and how to protect yourself.

How the scam plays out

In a non-delivery scam, a shopper makes an online purchase, often at a discounted price. They may have chanced upon this “sale” through a social media ad, an unsolicited email or a banner ad on their favorite website. Unfortunately, though, the promised package is never delivered. After weeks of waiting, the shopper may try reaching out to the seller, only to find that the seller’s gone AWOL, along with the victim’s chances of recovering their money and/or their purchase.

Protect yourself

The best way to protect yourself against non-delivery scams is to practice online safety measures and to shop smartly. Here’s how.

  • Never click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails or on social media, regardless of how amazing the offer may be. If an ad looks promising, look up the alleged associated retailer directly and on your own. 
  • Keep your device’s security at its strongest settings and mark all suspicious emails as spam. 
  • Opt out of websites that are full of typos and/or grammatical errors.
  • Check each website’s URL for authentic spelling and signs of security, like the “https” and padlock icon. Recheck each landing page as you shop. 
  • When shopping a new seller, do some research before sharing any information with the seller. Look for a phone number and street address associated with the seller or company, dig up some online reviews and ratings and Google the retailer’s name along with the word “scam” to see if anything comes up. 
  • When shopping a private seller on an online marketplace, like Jiji or Etsy, check the seller’s profile carefully. Be extra wary if the profile is new.
  • Avoid shopping at retailers who insist on payment via prepaid gift cards or wire transfer. When shopping online, it’s best to use a credit card.
  • Stay away from sellers who advertise as if they are residents of the U.S. and then respond to questions by claiming that they are actually out of the country.
  • Always ask for and save the tracking numbers of online purchases. Monitor the shipping process so you can dispute the charge if the process seems suspect.
  • Be wary of items with prices that are too good to be true; in all likelihood they are.

If you’re targeted

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a non-delivery scam, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. 

First, if you’ve paid via credit card, call the issuing company to dispute the charge as soon as you recognize the scam. If you believe the account has been compromised, you may want to close it and place a credit alert and/or credit freeze on your name as well. Next, be sure to alert the FTC about the scam so they can do their part in catching the crooks. If the alleged retailer is on the BBB website, you can let them know, too. Finally, let your friends know about the scam so they know to be aware.

Online commerce makes holiday shopping so much easier–but scams are everywhere. Shop smartly this season and follow the tips outlined here to avoid getting scammed. Stay safe!

Your Turn: Have you been targeted by a non-delivery scam? Tell us about it in the comments. 

All You Need to Know About SIM Swaps

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

SIM swapping, also known as SIM swap scams, or SIM hijacking, can be a nightmare for an unwary victim. According to a recent announcement by the FBI, this ruse is on the rise. In 2021, the FBI received 1,611 reports of SIM swapping, with losses totaling over $68 million, a more than five-fold increase from the 320 SIM swap complaints occuring in 2018 and 2019 combined. Here’s what you need to know about this prevalent scam and how to protect yourself. 

How the scam plays out

In a SIM swap scam, a criminal steals a target’s mobile phone number by tricking the victim’s cellphone provider into transferring the number to a SIM card in the criminal’s possession. 

Before the actual scam is pulled off, the scammer will generally employ a phishing scam to obtain some basic information about the target’s mobile number and phone service provider. They may reach out to the target via email, text message or phone call. They’ll pretend to represent the service provider, and ask the target to share or confirm their phone number and/or account number. They may claim there is an issue with the target’s account, and say they need this information to fix the problem. Unfortunately, the target often believes they are engaging with an authentic representative of their phone company, and willingly shares this information.

Next, the scammer will call the target’s service provider and use this info to convince them that they are actually the target. The scammer will claim that their SIM card has been lost or destroyed and they’ve purchased a new one to replace it. If the mobile service provider falls for the ploy, they’ll transfer the phone number to the scammer’s SIM card.

Finally, the criminal inserts the now-active SIM card into their own device and uses it to access the victim’s accounts by bypassing the SIM-based two-step authentication. The scammer then proceeds to change all passwords for online accounts linked to the phone. Unfortunately, this leaves the victim with an inactive SIM card and worse, locked out of their own accounts.

Protect yourself

Despite its prevalence, there are ways to protect yourself from SIM swap scams. The FBI advises consumers to take the following precautions:

  • Never share information about your financial assets while online.
  • Never share information about your mobile phone number or cellphone provider with an unverified contact over the phone or online.
  • Don’t assume every communication from an alleged service provider is legit. If you receive an unexpected call, message or email from your mobile phone’s provider asking you to share or confirm information, do not engage. Contact the provider directly to determine if the communication was authentic. 
  • Keep your social-media platform settings private.
  • Use strong, updated security for all your devices. 
  • Never share personally identifiable information online. 
  • Use strong, unique passwords across all your online accounts.
  • When possible, use strong, multi-factor authentication, standalone authentication, apps and physical security tokens to access accounts that contain sensitive information.
  • Don’t allow your mobile devices to “remember” your passwords, usernames and other personal information.

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a SIM swapping scam, take these steps to mitigate the damage:

  • Reach out to your cellphone provider for assistance in regaining control of your phone number.
  • Change the passwords and logins on all your online accounts.
  • Let your financial institution and credit card companies know about the scam so they can look out for suspicious activity on your accounts. 
  • Consider placing a credit alert and/or credit freeze on your accounts. 
  • Report the scam to your local FBI field office, your local law enforcement agency and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Stay alert and stay safe!

Your Turn: Have you been targeted by a SIM swap scam? Tell us about it in the comments. 

How Can I Save on Holiday Shopping?

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Credit, Lifestyle, Saving, Tips & Best Practices

Q: I’m always worried about money during the holiday season, and with inflation soaring, I’m more stressed than ever. How can I save on holiday shopping this year?

A: If you’re worried about making it through the holiday shopping season in the midst of record inflation, you’re not alone. A recent survey shows that 59% of American shoppers are stressed about buying holiday gifts this season due to higher prices. However, with some careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy stress-free holiday shopping. Here are seven easy ways you can save during this holiday season.

  1. Shop early

It’s always a good idea to do your shopping early in the season so pressure and crowds don’t cause you to make decisions you’ll come to regret. This year, experts are urging shoppers to hit stores earlier than normally planned so they can take advantage of early season sales. Many big-box stores are struggling with a supply surplus thanks to an inflation-triggered decline in demand. This will likely lead to sales events to make room for more up-to-date inventory. You can take advantage of this surplus by shopping these sales and saving on your holiday purchases.

2. Set a budget

Budgets are for holidays, too. Sit down before doing your shopping to build a reasonable budget for your holiday shopping. Factor in current prices when working out your budget. Of course, this is only half the work – you’ll need to stick to that budget for it to be worth anything. Make this easier by allocating a specific amount for every gift, shopping with cash and/or reviewing your budget frequently as you do your holiday shopping. 

  1. Shop with a list

Instead of hitting the stores blindly, create a list of every gift you plan to buy for friends and family. You can browse online stores for inspiration, but resolve not to start shopping until you have a complete list. You’ll be far more likely to stay within budget when your purchases are pre-planned. 

  1. Leave some last-minute shopping for Green Monday

While it’s best to do the bulk of your shopping early in the season, you can leave some last-minute gift-shopping for Green Monday, which falls on Dec. 14 this year. This is when retailers make their final pre-holiday markdowns. Be prepared for slim pickings, though, so don’t leave any specific gifts for this late in the season. 

  1. Think outside the box when planning your gifts

If ever there was a holiday season to get creative with your gifting, this is it. Retail inventories are full of products that were backed up during the post-pandemic supply-chain disaster. Think furniture, home decor and more. While much of this may not make for typical holiday gifts, there’s no real reason you can’t delight a loved one with a new office chair, exercise bike or coffee organizing station.

  1. Give gift cards

Protect your gift list against inflation by giving gift cards. You can find discounted cards on sites like GiftCardGranny and CardCash, or use cash-back apps to earn them at no cost. Gift cards are easy to shop for, easy to budget for and always appreciated by the receiver.

  1. Use apps to save

In 2022, there are so many apps that can help you spend less on your shopping, and even put money back in your pocket. Here are some money-saving apps you might want to download ahead of this shopping season:

  • Drop. This free app allows you to link your credit and/or debit card, and shop directly from the app at 300+ retailers. Earn points back on every purchase. Use your points to purchase gift cards.
  • Honey. Why pay full price when you can get the same item for less? This coupon-scanning app will automatically find promo codes and coupons for items you’re searching for so you can save on your shopping. You can earn points on purchases made through the app, too.
  • Fetch. Earn points on grocery purchases by scanning your receipts after you shop. Redeem points for gift cards.
  • Ibotta. Get cash back for your purchases by scanning your receipts with this app. Use for online purchases, and by linking store loyalty cards for in-store purchases, too. Redeem points for cash or gift cards. 

Holiday shopping may be a race against inflation this year, but with a little pre-planning, you can complete your shopping with your budget intact. Use the money-saving tips outlined here to get started.

Your Turn: How do you plan to save on holiday shopping this year? Share your best tips and hacks in the comments. 

Don’t Get Caught in a Pre-approval Scam

by Advantage One, posted in Credit, Lifestyle, Loans, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

You’ve got mail! But beware, because this particular missive telling you that you’ve been preapproved for a large loan – maybe even a mortgage – may not be as it seems! The exciting news may be accompanied by a check that’s made out to you and even for the full loan amount! It’s a dream come true. Until, of course, it all turns into a living nightmare. 

Here’s what you need to know about preapproval scams and how to stay safe.

How the scams play out

In a preapproval scam, a target receives a letter in the mail, an email or a text message informing them they’re preapproved, or “prescreened,” for a large loan. The letter is often accompanied by a live check, or an unsolicited check that can be cashed in by the named recipient – which is you. The letter may also be highly relevant to your life. For example, if you’re in the market for a new home, the offer may feature an alleged preapproved mortgage loan. If you’re looking for a new set of wheels, the letter will likely offer a bogus auto loan. More commonly, though, will be the offer of a personal, or unsecured loan, through a live check. 

When you go ahead and cash that check, you may be playing right into the hands of a scammer. 

The authentic-looking check cannot be cashed unless the recipient shares their personal information. Of course, this means providing a scammer, or a scam ring, with all the info they need to empty your accounts, commit identity theft or worse. In addition, the check may appear to clear but then bounce a few days later, leaving you to pick up the tab for any of the money you’ve spent. Finally, if you really do need to take out a large loan, the bogus offer can set you back significantly by hurting your credit score.  

Checklist for legitimate preapproval offers

If you have a credit history, you’ve likely received these preapproval offers at least several times. Some of them are actually legitimate offers to cover a loan for a large amount. How, then, can you tell which of these offers are legitimate or scam?

First, it’s important to know that, while some of these offers may be legit, that doesn’t mean they’re good for your financial health. If you cash that check and/or accept that loan offer, you’ll be bound by the loan terms, which you may not be truly aware of until the first repayment bill becomes due. Most of these preapproval offers will have exorbitant interest rates and may demand full repayment quicker than typical loans obtained from a bank or credit union. 

Now, let’s take a look at how you can determine whether one of these preapproval offers is legit. If you receive an offer as described, look for this information to verify the authenticity of the offer: 

  • A disclosure of the loan fees
  • The annual percentage rate (APR), which is the annual cost of the loan 
  • The payment schedule
  • The loan agreement
  • A privacy notice about the sharing of your personal information
  • An opt-out notice for future offers
  • Contact information for the sender, which includes a number and street address

If any of this info is missing from the preapproval offer, you’re likely looking at a scam. 

If you’ve been targeted

If you’ve been targeted by a preapproval scam or a legitimate but shady offer, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from further harm and to stop the annoying letters from landing in your mailbox. 

First, let the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) know about the circulating scam. Next, it’s important to note that, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to opt-out of future loan offers for five years, or permanently. To opt-out for the next five years, call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit OptOutPrescreen. To opt-out forever, visit OptOutPreScreen to request a Permanent Opt-Out Election form. Return the signed form and you should be off the list of all preapproval offers. Finally, keep your online interactions safe from scams by using the strongest and most up-to-date security settings across your devices and being careful about the information you share online.

Preapproval scams can be super-annoying and destructive, but you can outsmart them. Stay safe!

Your Turn: Have you been targeted by a preapproval scam? Tell us about it in the comments.