Scammers don’t take vacations.

In fact, fraud often increases during busy travel and shopping seasons.

Knowing what to watch for can help protect your money and personal information.

Vacation rental scams

Be cautious when booking travel online.

Warning signs include:

  • Prices far below market value
  • Pressure to pay immediately
  • Requests for wire transfers or gift cards
  • No verified reviews

If something feels off, investigate further.

Text and email phishing scams

Scammers often impersonate:

  • Banks
  • Delivery companies
  • Government agencies
  • Subscription services

They may claim:

  • Your account is locked
  • A payment failed
  • A package is delayed

Never click suspicious links.

Fake job scams

Summer job seekers are common targets.

Red flags include:

  • Offers without interviews
  • Requests for payment upfront
  • Requests for banking information too early

Legitimate employers won’t ask you to pay to get hired.

Card fraud while traveling

When traveling:

  • Monitor transactions regularly
  • Use secure Wi-Fi
  • Avoid suspicious ATMs
  • Enable account alerts

Quick detection helps minimize damage.

How to protect yourself

Practice these habits:

  • Use strong passwords
  • Enable multi-factor authentication
  • Monitor account activity
  • Verify suspicious requests directly

We’re Here to Help

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

Contact your financial institution immediately if you suspect fraud.

At Coosa Valley Credit Union, protecting our members is a top priority.

We’re committed to helping you bank safely and confidently.