Fraud in the Forecast – Watch Out For Scams

Around this time of year, most of us are busy and distracted. Unfortunately, this is the perfect time for scammers! Every winter, Horizon sees an increase in fraud attempts ranging from fake phone calls to spoofed texts and emails. And because fraudsters are getting better and better, it’s no wonder people get caught off guard.

This is your friendly reminder: Stay alert! Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits can protect your personal information and your money all season long.

Signs of a scam

Scams can take many forms. Scammers will often pose as a trusted party, like your credit union, a government agency or a large retailer. Other times, scammers will trick or bait you into clicking a link and then use malware to steal personal information.

To stay safe, keep an eye out for these red flags:

Urgent or secretive demands for payment or personal information. Scammers will play on your emotions by making you feel scared, ashamed or isolated. If someone is pressuring you into something or saying that you can’t tell anybody about it, it’s likely a scam.
Requests to pay with gift cards. No legitimate business takes gift cards for payment. (Think about it… how would they pay their employees? Or their taxes?). If someone asks, refuse and end the conversation.
Offers that seem too good to be true. These offers make you excited and cause you to act quickly — sometimes too quickly. Slow down! It’s likely a scam.
Unexpected messages with links or attachments. Have you ever received a text message and clicked the link without even thinking about it? It’s an easy way to get scammed. Even links that look safe can be malicious, so make sure to verify the sender and URL every time. If you’re not sure about the link just don’t click it.
Phone calls that don’t seem quite right. If something seems off, hang up. You can always call the company directly from a verified phone number if you need to.

Remember: a quick pause before acting can save you from a scam.

How to prevent scams before they happen

Here are a few practical tips:

If something feels off, end the conversation immediately. Just hang up or block the text message. If the scammer is posing as Horizon, report it at 800.852.5316.
Never give out account information. Horizon already has your account and card numbers on file. Anyone asking you to “verify” them is not from Horizon.
Keep your security information private. Your PIN, passwords and authorization codes should never be shared with anyone — including someone claiming to be a Horizon employee.
Be cautious with personal information. Your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name and address help Horizon confirm your identity when you call in. Horizon will never call you and request that information unexpectedly.
Use digital tools to protect your accounts. Use card controls in Horizon digital banking to set balance alerts, spending alerts and even freeze your card if something seems wrong.

What to do if you’ve been targeted

If you think you may have been a victim of fraud, we are here to help.

Contact Horizon immediately at 800.852.5316 or contact us through secure chat in online banking. Staff can help secure your account, close cards and issue new ones if needed.

You can also report the scammer to the Federal Trade Commission, which helps authorities track and stop fraudulent activity.

Staying safe starts with staying aware

Spoofing and other scams work because they often appear normal. But by slowing down, staying alert and adopting a few smart habits, you can protect yourself and your information. For more tips and tools, visit Horizon’s security page. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts, end the conversation and reach out if it involves Horizon.