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Beware: Package Delivery Scams

The holidays are here, which means two things: package deliveries are on the rise and scammers are taking advantage.

So if you get an unexpected text message from FedEx, UPS or the Postal Service telling you about an unclaimed package — and a link to claim it — do NOT take the bait.

We’re here to help you spot and avoid those pesky parcel tracking scams.

What is a package delivery scam?
A package delivery scam happens when you get an unsolicited text message about an unclaimed delivery, with a malicious link to supposedly “claim” the package that doesn’t actually exist. The FTC has a reported a spike in these scam texts, which sometimes include a fake tracking number and typically appear to come from a company you already know and trust — like Fedex, UPS, Amazon or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

Fake shipping texts can contain messages like this:

  • You have an undelivered package that you can pick up, once you confirm your personal information and card details.
  • You have an undelivered package that won’t ship until you pay an additional fee.
  • You have a chance to win a free gift card or a free item, once you follow a web link, provide personal information, and pay for shipping.

Fake website: How the scam works

With these scams, fraudsters will link to a deceptive website that looks like an official delivery tracking site. They may indicate that a package is waiting at a warehouse, and once you answer a few questions, they’ll release the package (which doesn’t exist). They might even give you a fake tracking number in the text message, and ask you to plug in the number to receive more information.

But ultimately, at some point — usually at the end of the questionnaire — they will ask for personal or payment information. Once you input that, you’ve given the scammer everything they need to steal from you.

How to avoid a fake shipping scam

  • DO ask yourself these questions. Was I expecting a package delivery? Did I send a package to someone? Did I ask for text notifications?
  • DON’T click on any suspicious links. If you receive an unexpected text message, don’t click on a link. Even if it provides seemingly authentic tracking and delivery information.
  • DON’T respond to unsolicited texts. Immediately delete the message, and never respond. If you’re unsure about the message, look up and contact the company directly (don’t use the info in the text message).
  • DON’T pay additional money to get a package delivered. Know that legit companies won’t contact you “out of the blue” to request additional fees for shipping or delivery.
  • DO look for a missed delivery notice. Legitimate delivery services will usually leave a physical “missed delivery” notice on your front door or doorstep.
  • DO report fraud when you see it. If you think you’ve spotted a scam, contact the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, which helps law enforcement partners gain important information about scams.
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Have you heard about Charity Fraud?

Here’s how it works:

Someone contacts you asking for a donation to their charity. It sounds like a group you’ve heard of, it seems real, and you want to help.

How can you tell what charity is legitimate and what’s a scam? Scammers want your money quickly. Charity scammers often pressure you to donate right away. They might ask for cash, and might even offer to send a courier or ask you to wire money. Scammers often refuse to send you information about the charity, give you details, or tell you how the money will be used. They might even thank you for a pledge you don’t remember making.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Take your time. Tell callers to send you information by mail. For requests you get in the mail, do your research. Is it a real group? What percentage of your donation goes to the charity? Is your donation tax-deductible? How do they want you to pay? Rule out anyone who asks you to send cash or wire money. Chances are, that’s a scam.
  2. Pass this information on to a friend. It’s likely that nearly everyone you know gets charity solicitations. This information could help someone else spot a scam.

Please report scams

If you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or TTY 1-866-653-4261 or go online at ftc.gov/complaint.

Your complaint can help protect other people. By filing a complaint, you can help the FTC’s investigators identify scammers and stop them before they can get someone’s hard earned money. It really makes a difference.

 

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Amy Ensor latest Helping Teachers Teach winner

Amy Ensor, teacher at West Side Elementary, is the latest Northeast Community Credit Union Helping Teachers Teach grant winner.

Ensor applied for the grant to provide book bins in her classroom library for her Accelerated Reading program. In Accelerated Reader, students have individual book levels to read at and complete quizzes.

“With the book bins, I can arrange the books in a way that would help the students be able to check out books appropriate on their level of ability,” Ensor said. “The program helps children grow comprehension skills and reading levels. Most importantly, Accelerated Reading helps foster a greater love for reading.”

Northeast Community Credit Union awards $300 every month to a classroom to be utilized for classroom needs, classroom activities, and academic enrichment.  Helping Teachers Teach is open to teachers within Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, Sullivan and Washington counties who are members of Northeast Community Credit Union. Area teachers may become members online or at any NCCU location and can download the grant application on the credit union’s website:  www.BeMyCU.org.

The Money Tree – October Edition

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Dugger latest Helping Teachers Teach winner

Susan Dugger, teacher at Wandell Early Learning Center, is the latest Northeast Community Credit Union Helping Teachers Teach grant winner.

Dugger applied for the grant to purchase a new rug for her pre-K classroom. The new rug will replace an older, well-used rug in the class.

“The rug is used very often throughout the school day as a meeting place for teaching,” Dugger said. “Each day, it is used for circle time, English Language Arts, and large group learning.”

Northeast Community Credit Union awards $300 every month to a classroom to be utilized for classroom needs, classroom activities, and academic enrichment. Helping Teachers Teach is open to teachers within Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, Sullivan and Washington counties who are members of Northeast Community Credit Union. Area teachers may become members online or at any NCCU location and can download the grant application on the credit union’s website: www.BeMyCU.org.

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Medicare Information Sessions

Medicare information sessions will be provided as a public service for those who have questions regarding Medicare open enrollment which lasts October 15 – December 7 this year.

Representatives from United Healthcare and Humana will be on site at the main office at various times to speak with those interested – it’s best to call for appointments but the reps will also speak with walk-ins as time permits. The schedule is:

United Healthcare on October 24 & November 7, 10 am-2 pm both days (Sam Monroe, 423-742-6252)

Humana/ Blue Cross Blue Shield on October 31 & November 9, 10 am – 2 pm both days (Shelia Minier, 423-534-2969)

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NCCU Sponsors Creative Souls Series

Northeast Community Credit Union is proud to sponsor the Creative Souls series – a series of 8 monthly meetups featuring at least one area artist.
The next Creative Souls event will be held on October 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Building 520 in downtown Elizabethton. On Nov. 14, Dr. Roya Farzanah of East Tennessee State University and the ETSU Flute Choir will be the featured artists. On Dec. 12, the Bonnie Kate Community Theater – Readers Theatre will be at the meetup.
The Creative Souls Series goal is to provide a deeper community connection to the arts while helping the public to gain a new appreciation and engagement with creative processes.
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NCCU Supports Back to School Bashes

Northeast Community Credit Union is helping to support students as they prepare for a new school year  by sponsoring both of Carter County’s backpack programs.

NCCU donated $1,000 to both of Carter County’s Back to School Bashes. The Back to School Bashes gives away thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies to students in the Carter County and Elizabethton City school systems each year.

Back to School Bash Ministries will host an event this Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hampton High School. The Bash will have free school supplies, food, activities, characters and more. Items will be given away on a first-come, first-serve basis and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Elizabethton City Schools will be hosting their Back to School Bash on Monday, July 31 from 6-8 p.m. at Elizabethton High School. This bash will have free backpacks, school supplies, snacks, and games

students.

 

and activities on the field for children.

Northeast Community Credit Union will be at each Back to School Bash with special giveaways for

Northeast Community Credit Union has been serving the community since October 1952 when it was chartered as a credit union by the State of Tennessee. Northeast Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. It is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Carter, Johnson, Washington, Unicoi and Sullivan counties along with their immediate family members.

For more information, visit www.BeMyCU.org.

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Brittany Boone Latest HTT Winner

Brittany Boone, English teacher and drama/theater sponsor for Cloudland High School, is the latest Northeast Community Credit Union Helping Teachers Teach grant winner.

Boone applied for the Helping Teachers Teach to help purchase costumes, backdrops, and microphones for an upcoming school production of Alice in Wonderland.

“Drama is such a wonderful experience for students,” Boone said. “The program gives students an opportunity to practice and hone public speaking, organization, reading, memorization, and artistic skills. Not to mention the bonds it builds between students.”

Northeast Community Credit Union awards $300 every month to a classroom to be utilized for classroom needs, classroom activities, and academic enrichment.  Helping Teachers Teach is open to teachers within Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, Sullivan and Washington counties who are members of Northeast Community Credit Union. Area teachers may become members online or at any NCCU location and can download the grant application on the credit union’s website:  www.BeMyCU.org.