Morgan Masche
Payment and Fraud Specialist
As summer winds down and fall approaches, many of us are gearing up for busy schedules filled with school activities, community events, travel, and seasonal shopping. While this time of year brings excitement, it also creates opportunities for fraudsters who are constantly looking for new ways to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.
At HomeTown, protecting our members is at the heart of everything we do. That means not only providing secure banking tools, but also helping you stay informed so you can confidently navigate today’s digital world. Morgan Masche, our Fraud and Payments Specialist, shares her top tips.
The Current Fraud and Scam Landscape
Scams are becoming more advanced—and more convincing. Fraudsters often create fake websites that closely resemble legitimate retailers, ticket sellers, or even financial institutions. These sites are designed to trick you into entering payment details or personal information.
As demand increases for fall events, sports tickets, school-related purchases, and seasonal promotions, scammers take advantage by advertising “limited-time deals” or “exclusive offers” that pressure you to act quickly.
Some of the most common scams this time of year include:
- Fake event ticket websites or resale listings
- Phony online stores offering steep discounts on popular items
- Text or email phishing messages posing as delivery services or financial institutions
- Social media ads that link to fraudulent websites
The goal is always the same: create urgency, gain your trust, and capture your information before you have time to question it.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
The good news is that a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your finances and personal information.
- Stick to trusted, verified websites: Always purchase tickets, merchandise, or services directly from official websites or well-known, reputable retailers. When in doubt, navigate to the site yourself instead of clicking on a link.
- Be cautious with links and messages: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages. Scammers often disguise these to look like legitimate communications from businesses you trust.
- Protect your personal and account information: HomeTown will never contact you asking for your username, password, PIN, or full card number to verify your identity. If you receive a request like this, it’s a red flag.
- Watch for pressure tactics: Scammers rely on urgency—phrases like “Act now,” “Limited supply,” or “Offer expires today” are designed to make you rush. Take a moment to pause and evaluate before making a purchase.
- Avoid high-risk payment methods: Be wary of requests to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. These payment methods are difficult to trace and are commonly used in scams.
- Look closely for red flags: Misspelled words, poor grammar, missing contact information, and unfamiliar website URLs are all signs that something may not be legitimate.
- Monitor your accounts regularly: Frequently reviewing your transactions helps you catch suspicious activity early and take action quickly.
How HomeTown Credit Union Protects You
Your security is our priority. HomeTown Credit Union has multiple layers of protection in place to help safeguard your accounts and provide peace of mind.
- 24/7 Fraud Monitoring: Our Plastics Team actively monitors debit and credit card activity around the clock. This includes identifying unusual spending patterns, out-of-area transactions, and other potential warning signs—even while you’re traveling.
- Proactive Fraud Alerts: If suspicious activity is detected, we may contact you by phone, text message, or email to verify transactions. These quick touchpoints help prevent unauthorized charges before they escalate.
- Secure Digital Banking Tools: Our online and mobile banking platforms use secure technology to help protect your information. We also encourage members to use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Education and Trusted Resources: Staying informed is one of the best defenses against fraud. We recommend visiting MyCreditUnion.gov for up-to-date information on current scams, fraud trends, and prevention strategies.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
Even with the best precautions, scams can happen. Acting quickly can make all the difference.
If you notice suspicious activity or believe you may have been targeted by a scam:
- Contact HomeTown Credit Union immediately
- Freeze or lock your card if available
- Change your online banking passwords
- Monitor your accounts closely for additional unauthorized activity
Our team is here to support you every step of the way and help minimize any potential impact.
Stay Vigilant, Stay Protected
Fraud prevention is a shared effort. By staying alert, practicing safe online habits, and utilizing the tools and protections available through HomeTown, you can significantly reduce your risk.
At the heart of HomeTown is a commitment to our members’ security, trust, and financial well-being. We’re proud to stand alongside you—not just as your financial institution, but as your partner in protecting what matters most.
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