There’s Deals and Then There’s Nightmares: Black Friday Scams

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As people around the United States hurriedly gobble down their Thanksgiving dinner in hopes of securing their spot in store lines, scammers are gearing up to take advantage of one of the most lucrative weeks of the year. While scammers are likely not lining up at storefronts, blending into the crowds of Black Friday deal-seekers, they are doing one thing—preying on the people who conduct their Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping online.

Here are some current scams you can protect yourself from this upcoming Cyber Week.

1. Fake Shipping Notification Emails and Text Messages

The holiday season provides the types of distractions scammers need to carry out their defrauding attempts. The FTC has urged consumers to heighten their awareness of potential fake shipping notification emails and text messages, whereby scammers capitalize on common emails or texts you might expect to see after a spree of online shopping. You might receive an email or text message saying you missed a delivery attempt, or need to update shipping preferences so that your item can be shipped to you. The email or text message will often claim to be coming from a large retailer, such as Amazon, or a courier such as USPS. However, once you click the link within the message, it will either collect the personal and financial information you enter or install harmful malware on your device.

Here are some tips for protecting yourself against fake shipping notification emails and texts:

  • If you are not expecting a package delivery: Do not click on the link or further interact with the message.
  • If you are expecting a package delivery: Contact the retailer or shipping company using a phone number or website that you know is real—never use the information contained within the message. Additionally, you can go to the site you ordered the item to check the shipping and delivery status.

2. Counterfeit Products

Although the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” is regarded as cliché—it does have some truth to it. Picture this: an item you have been eyeing has finally slashed its price on Black Friday, but it is sold out on numerous reputable platforms. You navigate over to Amazon in hopes of finding it, and you find that not only is it in stock, but at a cheaper price point, too! There are two red flags present here, both the fact that such a sought-after item is in stock through such a high-traffic retailer and it is selling for cheaper than other reputable websites have it listed for. If you click the “Add to Cart” button and go through with purchasing the item, you’ll find that it is often counterfeit or made with low quality materials — the chief reason it was heavily discounted to begin with, and that is if you receive the item at all.

If you didn’t catch those red flags, here are some tips to prevent yourself from purchasing a counterfeit or low-quality item:

  • Remain Wary of Low-Priced Items from Unknown Brands: If a seller has an unknown name, or one that is not associated with the product, do your due diligence.
  • Read Verified Product and Seller Reviews: If a seller doesn’t have reviews or their products have few, if any, ratings and verified reviews – steer clear. The same goes the opposite way — stay away from products or sellers that have an unusual number of 5-star ratings without detailed comments.

3. Website Spoofing

When you look up your go-to online shop, you expect that it will be one of the first few results due to its popularity, and how often you visit it (no shame there)! When you add items to your cart and provide your personal and financial information during checkout, you probably don’t think twice when you click “Place Order.” Maybe it was after the fact that you thought something seemed a little off, such as an outdated user interface or incorrect grammar. You might have fallen victim to website spoofing, where a scammer creates a fraudulent website that mimics the real website you intended to visit, stealing the information you entered or downloading malicious software onto your device.

Here are some ways to spot website spoofing before your personal and financial information falls right into the lap of a scammer:

  • Incorrect Spelling and Grammar: Businesses often hire entire teams dedicated to webpage design to ensure that so much as a comma is not out of place. If you are noticing even a few incorrect spelling or grammar choices, the website you are visiting is likely not the intended one.
  • Marketing is Inconsistent: Strong and consistent branding is key to successful marketing, and professional organizations will ensure that the business name is spelled correctly, slogans and taglines are always consistent, and brand colors are never a hue off.
  • Unsecure Site: Ensure the site you are visiting has a “lock” or green icon next to the URL, as well as https:// in the URL. This is often a solid piece of evidence indicating that the website is legitimate, since it means the link is encrypted and your sensitive information is protected. However, browsers can be deceived as well — so consider this factor in addition to others when determining if a website is legitimate.

While scams can come in all shapes and sizes, here are some general tips that can help protect you from many scams this upcoming Cyber Week:

  • Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi Whenever Possible: Whether while making purchases, or entering your personal or financial information online.
  • Credit Cards > Debit Cards: Credit cards generally offer more fraud protection than a debit card, and credit card purchases aren’t deducted right from your checking account.
  • Strong Passwords Make All the Difference: Avoid using the same password for any two accounts, and make sure it is a password that would be hard for a scammer to crack.
  • Ensure Your Software is Up to Date: Device, app, and software updates often push out the latest and greatest protections, minimizing vulnerabilities that scammers can try to take advantage of.

First Financial is here to help if you believe your personal or financial information, or one of your First Financial accounts has been compromised. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 732.312.1500 or visit one of our local branches. Stay safe when shopping this holiday season!

7 Ways to Make Your Business Stand Out During the Holiday Season

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The holiday season brings both excitement and competition for businesses, with many eager to capture customers’ attention and increase sales. Standing out can be challenging, but with a little creativity – you can make your business shine during this festive time. Here are seven effective ways to make your holiday marketing memorable and impactful.

1. Share Your Holiday Traditions

Build a stronger connection with your customers by sharing glimpses of your holiday preparations. Behind-the-scenes photos or videos of your team decorating, preparing holiday orders, or celebrating the season can create a warm, relatable connection. When customers feel like part of your holiday traditions, they’re more likely to stay loyal long after the season ends.

2. Reward Loyal Customers

Consider special offers to show appreciation for your loyal customers. Simple incentives like a free item with a minimum purchase or offering free shipping, can make customers feel valued. Hosting a holiday-themed contest or sweepstakes on social media is another fun way to engage your audience and boost excitement around your brand, attracting new and returning customers.

3. Give Back to Your Community

Show your brand’s heart by supporting a local cause or volunteering as a team this holiday season. Instead of just making a monetary donation, consider actively participating in a holiday event or hosting a community drive. This helps those in need while strengthening your brand’s image and demonstrating a commitment to positive community impact.

4. Personalize Your Promotions

During the holiday rush, personalized marketing can make all the difference. Tailor your messages, ads, and promotions to match the needs of specific customer groups. For example, segment your email list by past purchases or preferences and offer relevant recommendations. Personalization shows customers you care about their unique needs and helps your brand stand out in a sea of generic holiday offers.

5. Promote a Donation Match

Instead of the usual holiday discounts, consider setting up a donation-matching campaign for a cause that resonates with your audience. Matching a portion of customer purchases to a charitable donation supports a good cause, while also strengthening brand loyalty. This approach can inspire purchases from customers who value giving back and appreciate brands with a purpose.

6. Offer a Gift Guide

Help your customers find the perfect gifts by creating a holiday gift guide featuring your products and services. A well-curated guide simplifies the shopping experience and highlights your best offerings, making your business an easy solution to consumer needs. If you sell different types of products, create guides for various interests or recipients such as husband, wife, best friend, sibling, etc. Take inspiration from Etsy where there are gift guides for countless occasions, interests, and personas. This thoughtful touch can attract customers looking for tailored gift solutions, making your brand a convenient go-to this season.

7. Craft a Story Around Your Brand

Holiday shoppers connect with stories, so use this time to share meaningful stories that highlight your brand’s values and mission. Whether it’s the inspiration behind a product or a story about how your brand brings people together, storytelling creates an emotional connection with customers. A genuine story can differentiate your business and make a lasting impact.

With these creative strategies, your business can stand out during the holiday season and build stronger customer relationships and connections. At First Financial, we’re here to support your business every step of the way. For more insights, be sure to subscribe to our First Scoop blog for ongoing financial advice and business tips.

Yes – People are Still Falling Victim to eBay Scams

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In a day and age where consumers report at least $10 billion of fraud related losses per year, it is more important now than ever to equip yourself with the tools to detect potential fraud before it happens to you. The FTC revealed that not only did consumers report a 14% increase in fraud related losses, but that online shopping issues were the second most reported category of fraud in 2023. With that in mind, an online shopping and auction platform such as eBay is no stranger to the prevalence of fraud occurring in their online space. Even though it may not be as popular as it once was, surprisingly individuals are still falling victim to eBay scams. If you weren’t aware, eBay is an online marketplace that brings buyers and sellers together to conduct online transactions. With 132 million active buyers worldwide – shopping 2.1 billion seller listings, it comes as no shock that scammers find eBay a lucrative environment to find victims. Look out for these common eBay scams, as well as red flags that can alert you to potential scams, to protect yourself and your wallet if you buy or sell on the platform.

Common eBay Scams

While this is not an all-inclusive list of scams you can expect to see on eBay, these are some of the most common to watch out for.

  • You Send Payment and the Seller Takes Your Money: This one is exactly what it sounds like; you pay for an item on eBay, and never receive the item from the seller. eBay has a Money Back Guarantee program in the case of an unresponsive seller shipping you the incorrect item, or no item at all. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met to take advantage of this guarantee. For example, you must have used approved payment methods and paid via eBay checkout in the transaction, must have attempted to contact the seller, and must have given three business days for the seller to resolve the issue. Additionally, certain items are not eligible for the Money Back Guarantee, which can be found
  • The Seller Ships with an Incorrect Name: This scam involves the fraudster preying on your “good Samaritan” mentality. In this scenario, the seller would ship the package to the correct address, but intentionally use the wrong name to make you believe you received the incorrect package. The fraudster is hoping you return the package to the post office or shipping company, as this voids eBay’s Money back Guarantee since it is considered a refused or returned package. The fraudster gets to keep your payment, and you can’t leave feedback – since it would be considered resolved.
  • Misleading/Counterfeit Listings: A misleading listing is one that entices you to believe you are receiving one thing, but you end up receiving something else – or maybe even nothing at all. The problem with misleading listings is that oftentimes the seller does include the details somewhere in the listing, but it might not be clear to buyers. A counterfeit listing is one that includes a counterfeit item that is advertised as being the real deal. Making purchases online has its downside, such as being unable to verify the authenticity of goods prior to purchase. These “knock-offs” are usually advertised at very attractive prices, so it is good practice to be wary of items that are heavily marked down when they have a much higher market value.
  • Overpayment Scams: We’ve written about overpayment scams in the past, and they’re prevalent on eBay too. In this situation you’re selling an item, and a buyer contacts you and offers you more than you are asking for the item and only if you would take a personal check. In turn, you’re only getting a giant headache in the form of a phony check that will never clear. In addition, you’ve already shipped the buyer your item which they’ll of course keep, and you’ll most likely be responsible for the bounced check or incurred fees from your bank besides.

Red Flags to Look Out For

Unfortunately, the tactics scammers employ to defraud unsuspecting people is constantly evolving. However, keeping some of these red flags top of mind – can help you detect a scam before it happens to you.

  • Short Duration Listings: eBay says to be wary of items that have only been listed for one day. While eBay says there are exceptions to this, such as tickets for an event happening that same day, fraudsters know their luck will run out the longer their item is listed for. The short duration of these listings is often paired with the fraudster expressing a sense of urgency to close the deal.
  • Heavily Discounted/Sold-Out Items: The saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” applies on eBay, too. Be cautious of listings showing heavily discounted items, such a luxury handbag, or a popular item that has been sold out, such as the latest gaming console.
  • Sellers Wanting to Conduct Business Off eBay: Whether it’s attempting to personally contact you or enticing you to make a payment off eBay’s online platform, fraudsters know off-eBay communications get them closer to their ill-gotten gains. eBay notes that once communication is taken off their platform, your purchase will not be protected by the Money Back Guarantee. It is always a best practice to utilize eBay messages to communicate with sellers, and use approved payment methods during eBay checkout to complete your transaction.
  • Unsafe Payment Methods: eBay has been in the game a long time, making them an expert in knowing which payment methods are safe. eBay says to take caution with sellers who request payment into overseas accounts, prepaid or gift cards, or cryptocurrency – because oftentimes these transactions cannot be traced. It is always a best practice to go by the list of payment methods offered at eBay checkout. Unsafe payment methods also include personal checks or person-to-person digital payments (Venmo, Zelle, Cash app).

While this list of red flags is a good start in learning to recognize fraud, go with your gut too. Just because something isn’t online or on this list, doesn’t mean it’s not a scam. The more you educate yourself on the actions and tactics of scammers, the more you will be able to tell when something just isn’t right.

What to Do if You Believe You Fell Victim to an eBay Scam

eBay is aware of the scammers infiltrating their platform and has procedures in place to assist customers that believe they have been defrauded.

eBay has a Security Center that is dedicated to providing customers with tips and resources for protecting their information, staying safe from scammers, reporting concerns, and even reporting fraud or stolen goods to law enforcement. There is a great deal of information dedicated to staying safe from scammers, including tips on how to recognize fake emails, web pages, and scams, as well as procedures buyers and sellers should follow in conducting transactions. If you’re looking for a quick way to report a fraudulent seller directly to eBay, click here.

At First Financial, we’re always thinking first about how to best protect the personal and financial information of our valued members. If you ever come across anything suspicious on any of your First Financial accounts, or want assistance in determining if an offer, website, or service is legitimate – give us a buzz. Don’t hesitate to contact our member services department at 732-312-1500 or visit one of our local branches.

Retiring Debt When You Retire

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Many Americans rely on credit cards for their everyday purchases. After all, it’s so easy and tempting – that new pair of shoes looks great, and while they’re expensive, you can pay them off over time, you think, barely giving things a second thought as you tap your smartphone or swipe your card for payment.

But these spontaneous purchases come at a cost – interest that accumulates if you fail to pay your charge card bill in full each month. That debt is bad enough at any age, but when you’re facing retirement and need to live on a fixed income, it can be a brutal financial strain.

While you may not be willing to part with your credit card as you reach your Golden Years, there are a few key considerations for using it when relying on a fixed monthly income.

1. Recognize that not all credit cards are alike. When trying to decide whether to sign up for a card, think about your intended use. While it may offer an attractive rewards program, if you’re not paying off the balance each month, you could pay far more in interest than any rewards would provide. Additionally, these cards typically come with large annual fees and even higher interest rates. Think twice before agreeing to that new card and instead look for a card with a lower interest rate.*

2. Building up a good credit score can help you get a lower interest rate on a credit card. To improve your rating, make sure that you pay your bills on time and minimize your debt. It’s a catch 22 – if you could pay your bills on time each month, you wouldn’t necessarily need a credit card.

3. Try your best to reduce your debt each month. While doing away with all credit cards may be impractical, reducing your debt will help keep your finances in order and your fixed income more predictable.

If you need help reducing your debt, talk to a financial professional who could help you develop a plan that works for your habits and lifestyle.

Call or email the financial professionals in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center at 732-312-1534, mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com.

 Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and First Financial Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using First Financial Investment & Retirement Center, and may also be employees of FFFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of FFFCU or First Financial Investment & Retirement Center.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC

Tracking #1-05363571

*APR varies up to 18% for purchases, when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. The APR is 18% APR for balance transfers and cash advances. APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fee. Other fees that apply: Cash advance fee of $10 or 3% of the total cash advance amount—whichever is greater (no maximum), Balance transfer fee of $10 or 3% of the balance—whichever is greater (no maximum), Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa® Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.

How to Protect Yourself After a Data Breach

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In our digital world, data breaches are an unfortunate reality – affecting millions each year. These incidents expose sensitive information and can lead to financial fraud and identity theft. If you’ve been notified of a data breach or suspect your information may have been compromised, follow these crucial steps to safeguard your financial security.

1. Save Notifications & Respond Promptly

If a company or service provider informs you that your data may have been compromised, be sure to keep that notification. Breached companies are legally required to inform affected users and often provide next steps to secure your information, or contact information for credit bureaus and departments that can offer more guidance. This information can also serve as a record if you need to document or report future issues.

Immediately change your login information and passwords connected to the affected account(s) and remove any banking or credit card information that may be stored within the account(s). If the breach affects accounts tied to financial information, immediately begin securing your bank accounts and monitoring for suspicious activity.

2. Strengthen Account Security

Start by updating passwords on any accounts tied to the breached organization. For strong security, each account should have a unique password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If possible, use a password manager to store these securely and reduce the risk of previously used or weak passwords.

For added security, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts. This extra step, such as a verification code sent to your phone, makes it harder for unauthorized users to access your information, even if they have your password.

3. Set Up Fraud Alerts

Adding a fraud alert to your credit report signals to creditors that you may be a victim of fraud, prompting them to take extra steps to verify your identity when a new credit request appears. Contact any one of the three major credit bureaus — Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax, or create an online account to set up free fraud alerts. This alert will automatically apply to all three bureaus and remain active for a year, giving you added protection against fraudulent activity.

4. Monitor Your Financial Activity and Credit Reports

Carefully monitor your financial statements, bank accounts, and credit card activities for unusual transactions. Many financial institutions, including First Financial – offer free transaction alerts available through our mobile app, allowing you to catch unauthorized activity early.

Additionally, check your credit report regularly. You’re entitled to a free credit report each year from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com. Frequent reviews of your report can help detect unauthorized loans, new accounts, loan applications, or address changes that could indicate identity theft.

5. Consider a Credit Freeze

For those seeking a stronger defense, a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for new accounts to be opened in your name. You can apply a freeze by calling or creating online accounts with each of the 3 credit bureaus at no cost, and lift it temporarily if you need to apply for credit yourself. A freeze doesn’t affect your existing credit cards or loans, but it’s an effective barrier against unauthorized new accounts.

6. Be Aware of Phishing and Scams

Data breaches often lead to an increase in phishing attempts where criminals pose as reputable institutions to trick you into sharing more information. Beware of emails, calls, or texts from unfamiliar contacts or even those posing as your financial institution. Anyone who asks you for sensitive information or points to an unidentified link should be treated with extreme caution. Indicators of phishing include urgent requests, generic greetings, and suspicious sender addresses. When in doubt, reach out to the company or your bank directly using a verified contact method rather than interacting with suspicious messages.

7. Stay Vigilant and Consider Identity Protection Services

If you want an additional layer of protection, some individuals choose identity theft protection services such as Norton LifeLock ID Navigator – which is an included benefit for users of our VISA Signature Cash Plus Credit Card. These services monitor credit activity, provide alerts, and may even offer insurance to cover certain identity theft related losses.

Secure Your Finances with First Financial

Taking immediate action after a data breach can reduce the chances of financial harm and identity theft. At First Financial, we’re committed to helping you protect your financial future with resources and support to keep your information safe. For more personalized financial guidance, call us at 732.312.1500 or visit a branch. And don’t forget to subscribe to our First Scoop blog for more helpful tips on managing your finances and staying safe online.