Don’t Let Scams Wreck Your Holiday Plans

The holidays should be about joy, not juggling fraud headaches. Unfortunately, scammers see this season as prime time to strike—and they’re getting more creative every year. Here are a few scams to watch out for so your celebrations stay merry and bright:

Digital Wallet Tokenization Fraud

Fraudsters are targeting mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay. Here’s how it works:
They impersonate your financial institution through spoofed phone calls, claiming they need to verify account activity. Then, they ask for the One-Time Passcode (OTP) sent to you by text, email, or phone. If you share it, they can add your debit card to a digital wallet and immediately make high-dollar purchases at local stores like Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Apple.

Tip: Never share an OTP with anyone over the phone—even if they claim to be from your credit union or bank. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact your financial institution directly using the number on your card.

Package Delivery Panic

With online shopping at its peak, scammers send texts or emails claiming your package is delayed or needs address verification. Clicking the link gives the scammers the gift of your personal info.

Tip: Track packages only through official retailer or carrier websites, never through links in messages.

Charity Scams

The season of giving is also prime time for fake charities. Scammers may call, email, or even share QR codes on social media or flyers to collect “donations.” These codes often lead to fraudulent sites.

Tip: Always verify charities through trusted sources like Charity Navigator or the official organization’s website. Never donate through links or QR codes you didn’t expect.

Social Media Secret Santa

Those fun gift exchanges on social platforms? They often ask for personal details or small payments upfront. Many are pyramid schemes in disguise.

Tip: If it sounds too good to be true—or asks for money—it’s probably a scam.

AI-Enhanced Grandparent Scams

One of the most common holiday scams is the “stranded grandchild” call:
“Grandma, I’m stuck while traveling home—please send money!”

Scammers now use AI voice cloning to make these pleas sound real, mimicking a loved one’s voice from social media clips. They’ll pressure you to act fast and keep it secret.

Tip: Hang up and call your family member directly. Never share personal info or send money under pressure.

Our promise to you:
We will never call, text, or email you asking for personal information.
If someone claims to be from U.S. Eagle and requests your details, hang up and call us directly.

Holiday Scam Prevention Checklist

• Pause before you click: Don’t open links in unexpected texts or emails. Go directly to the official site.
• Verify before you give: Check charities through trusted sources before donating. Avoid QR codes or links from unknown sources.
• Double-check family emergencies: If someone claims to be a loved one in trouble, hang up and call them directly.
• Guard your info: Never share account numbers, passwords, or personal details over phone, text, or email.
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Slow down and confirm.