Four Smart Ways to Keep Scammers on the Naughty List

1. Beware of Phishing Pop-Ups & Fake Tech Support Alerts

Scammers often send alarming fake alerts. These pop-up messages claim your computer or mobile device has a virus or security issue. These scam messages create a sense of urgency. They pressure you to click a link or call a number you don’t recognize for support. This is supposedly to "help" remove the virus from your device.

Pause.  Don’t click the link or call the fake number for “help.”

Microsoft warns that legitimate system alerts never include a phone number to call.  If you get a pop-up alert, unexpected error message, or even an unsolicited tech support call, make sure you follow these best security practices:

• Don’t click the link
• Don’t call the number
• Don’t give out any personal or financial information
• Restart your device
• If you’re still concerned, contact the company using a verified phone number. You can find this number on their official website. It may also be on the back of your Debit Card or Credit Card, or in your saved contacts.

This is one of the most common holiday scams, so pause before you tap or click.

2. Double-Check Online Stores Before You Buy

Scammers create fake shopping websites with realistic branding. These sites often have "too good to be true" pricing, especially around the holidays. These sites may look like real retailers you frequent and trust. Scams and fraudsters have gotten smarter as the years go by. Scams were more easily detectable in years past because they were filled with spelling and grammatical errors. Today, the rise of AI has led to scams with content free from errors. This makes scams harder to detect.

Before you enter any payment details, be sure to:

• Confirm the website URL starts with “https://”
• Make sure the website address matches the retailer’s official URL exactly
• Research and read the seller’s reviews and policies from independent sources, not one’s found on the website

Logix’s Mastercard® credit cards offer safety features like ID Theft Protection™, Zero Liability*, and Card Notification options to help protect and warn you about unauthorized and fraudulent charges.

3. Avoid Gift Card, Wire Transfer, & Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payment App Scams

Most of us love receiving gift cards, right?  Unfortunately, so do scammers.  They’re fast, the money’s untraceable, and they’re easy to resell.  That’s why scammers often demand payment using gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps.

No legitimate company, financial institution, or government agency will ever demand payment this way. If a company or individual mandates you pay with gift cards, it’s likely a scam.  In fact, while purchasing gift cards from retail stores is convenient, consumers are exposed to unknowingly selecting gift cards that scammers have tampered with. This includes scammers recording gift card numbers and PINs and draining funds as soon as the card is purchased.

To protect yourself:

• Always buy gift cards directly from reputable retailers (not resellers)
• Inspect packaging for tampering
• Use gift cards soon after buying or receiving them

4. Stay Cautious with Social Media Ads

Holiday shopping ads on social media can look convincing and real. However, many lead to counterfeit items, and some orders never even arrive. Almost half of adults surveyed bought something advertised on social media in the last year.

Nearly 40% of consumers who purchased through social media ads reported some sort of fraud. Consumer awareness of scam risks remains limited. Only half of those surveyed correctly identified that social media ads are often untrustworthy.

Do your research, and if you do want to move forward with a social media purchase:

• Verify deals by checking the brand’s official website
• Stick to well-known retailers or trusted marketplaces
• Be skeptical of deep discounts from unknown sellers

Need Added Peace of Mind? Give Logix a Call

When in doubt, talk to a real, trained person.  If you receive a suspicious email, text, or call about your Logix account, don’t respond.  Hang up, take a moment to pause, and call us directly at (800) 328-5328.

Our Member Service Team is trained to spot fraud. They can verify whether a message you received that claims to be Logix is legitimate. It might also be a scam.  We’re available live Monday – Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (PT), and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (PT).  You can also visit us at any Logix branch in your area.

Never use phone numbers included in a suspicious message.  Instead, use the official phone number located on the official website, your card, or account statement.  The FBI also recommends contacting your bank or card issuer directly to dispute unauthorized or fraudulent charges.

Use the Logix Mobile App for Added Protection

Make the most out of Logix’s powerful and modern technology!  Logix’s Mobile Banking App is one of the easiest ways to monitor your accounts. It is especially convenient during the busy holiday season.  It’s a powerful tool for fraud prevention, and with a quick tap you can:

• Enable real-time transaction alerts: Catch suspicious activity quickly
• Freeze or unfreeze your card in seconds: If you see a charge you don’t recognize, instantly freeze your card. Call us immediately.
• Protect your device: Set a strong, unique password on your phone. Alternatively, the FTC recommends using a biometric lock, such as facial recognition or fingerprint authentication.   Also, make sure your phone’s operating system and apps are up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches.
• Monitor your accounts regularly: Check recent transactions in your Logix app frequently. For the greatest protection, check daily or every couple of days. This is especially important during the holiday shopping season. You have a right to dispute fraudulent Credit or Debit Card charges. If you spot any unauthorized activity, contact Logix right away. We can stop the fraud and help resolve it.

Stay Scam-Smart This Holiday Season

Staying vigilant and up to date with the latest scams may not completely wipe out your chances of falling victim to fraud. However, it can make a big difference. By taking these precautions, you ensure holiday cheer is yours alone. Use the tools Logix provides to protect yourself. Stay alert, shop smarter, and let Logix help you enjoy a joyful and safe season with the people who matter most—not fraudsters.