Staying Safe: Have yourself a scam free Christmas

As the festive season approaches, our community spirit is high—and unfortunately, so is the activity of scammers. Between buying presents, arranging deliveries, and preparing for the big day, it’s easy to overlook something that doesn’t quite seem right.

Fraudsters know how busy we all are. They take advantage of increased holiday spending by using convincing messages, phone calls, and emails to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money.

At Gateway Credit Union, we want to help you protect your hard-earned money and personal information so you can enjoy a stress-free Christmas.

Common Christmas Scams to Look Out For

Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to recognise. Here are four common holiday traps to keep on your radar:

1. Fake delivery messages With countless parcels arriving in the run-up to Christmas, you might receive a text or email claiming a delivery has failed or that you need to pay a small fee to rearrange it. These messages often mimic well-known courier companies, but the links lead to fake websites designed to steal your details.
2. Online shopping scams Irresistible Christmas offers and holiday discounts are everywhere, but not every deal is genuine. Fraudsters create fake websites, social media ads, and online listings offering popular gifts at unusually low prices. You could end up paying for an item that never arrives.
3. Fraudulent calls and messages Scammers may contact you pretending to be from your bank, credit union, or another trusted organisation. They might claim there’s suspicious activity on your account or that urgent action is required to protect your money. They often use familiar logos or cloned telephone numbers to look convincing.
4. Fake loan offers Christmas can be an expensive time, and scammers frequently target people looking for a helping hand with holiday costs. Be very cautious of unexpected loan offers, "guaranteed approvals," or requests for upfront fees. Always verify that you are dealing with a genuine, authorised lender before sharing your financial details.

5 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself

A few small precautions can go a long way in keeping you safe:

• Stop and think: Fraudsters love to create a false sense of urgency to pressure you. A genuine organisation will always give you time to check if a request is legitimate.
• Don't click suspicious links: If you receive an unexpected text or email, never use the link provided. Instead, navigate to the organisation's official website directly.
• Guard your details: Never share your PIN, online banking passwords, or one-time security codes with anyone who contacts you out of the blue.
• Research before you buy: When shopping online, stick to reputable retailers, read independent reviews, and remember: if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Verify independently: If someone claims to be from Gateway Credit Union, hang up or close the message, and call us directly using a trusted number.

Worried About Fraud? We're Here to Help

If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text message claiming to be from Gateway Credit Union—or if you're ever unsure whether a communication is genuine—please don't hesitate to reach out.

• Call our local team: 01495 832111

You should never feel pressured to act immediately, share sensitive information, or transfer money because of an unexpected message or call.

Remember: If something doesn't feel right, it’s always better to check with us first.

Have a Safe and Happy Christmas

Christmas should be a time to celebrate with family and friends, free from the worry of financial crime. Looking after our members and helping you make safe, informed financial decisions is at the heart of everything we do at Gateway Credit Union.

By staying alert, taking your time, and checking anything suspicious, you can protect yourself and your money this festive season. From all of us at Gateway Credit Union, we wish you a safe, happy, and scam-free Christmas!