Month: November 2021

9 Tips for ATM Safety

Using a compromised ATM can mean risking identity theft and/or having cash stolen. With this simple machine, all it takes is a few short minutes for a victim’s life to meet disaster. 

Here are tips to help you keep your ATM transactions secure. 

1. Keep your PIN private. Don’t share it with anyone and don’t write it down. It’s also a good idea to choose a unique PIN for all your accounts and to change it once a year.

2. Check the ATM for a card skimmer. A skimmer fits right over the card slot or keypad to read card information before passing it onto the criminal. Look for a skimmer by checking to see if the card slot feels loose, is colored differently or if the keypad is too thick or looks newer than the ATM. 

3. Bring a buddy. A lone target is always more vulnerable. If possible, and especially if you’re using an ATM late at night, bring a friend along. 

4. Be aware of your surroundings. As you use the machine, look for anything suspicious, like characters lurking nearby or dark cars parked in the area for far too long. 

5. Use your body as a shield. Stand close to the machine to block it from view and cover the keypad with your hand while you input your PIN. 

6. Have your debit card ready for use. Those precious few moments of searching for your card can give a criminal the time they need to make their move. 

7. Put away all cash after your transaction. Never count cash in public; you can check that you’ve received the right amount when you’re safely in your car. 

8. Lock all doors and roll up passenger windows when using a drive-thru ATM. If you’ll be remaining in your vehicle to complete your transaction, keep it as secure as possible. 

9. Be sure to take your receipt. Don’t leave any evidence of your transaction.

If something or someone looks suspicious, cancel your transaction, grab your card, and leave the area as soon as you can.

Stay safe!

4 Scams to Watch Out for this Black Friday

Black Friday has traditionally been the day that ignites the holiday shopping season, sending masses of crowds through retailers across the nation. Unfortunately, it’s also a day that spawns a season of shopping scams. 

Here are four scams to watch out for on Black Friday and throughout the holiday shopping season:

1.      The Amazon Prime service fraud scam

In this ruse, a scammer posing as an Amazon representative, will call to notify a target about an alleged problem with their Prime account. The victim is prompted to download a tool onto their computer or mobile device so the caller can gain remote access for “helping them resolve the problem” at hand. They’ll then be instructed to log onto their banking account so the caller can be compensated for their time. Unfortunately, this will give the scammer free reign over the victim’s accounts. 

2.      Phishing emails

In these scams, the victim receives an email allegedly sent by Amazon or another large retailer, asking them to verify or update their account. Or, it might be to supposedly confirm an order. By using the link dropped into the email, the user will give their personal information directly to the scammer. 

3.      Delivery issues

Delivery scams generally take the form of a message appearing to be from UPS or another delivery service, informing the victim of a “delivery issue” with an order. They’ll be asked to confirm or update their info using a provided link. Doing so gives the scammer access to their financial information and opens the door to identity theft and more. 

4.      Non-delivery scam

This scam involves a purchased gift that never arrives. Unfortunately, the seller disappears after payment, leaving the victim with no way of notifying them about the no-show or for requesting a refund. 


Avoid Black Friday scams

  • Never grant a stranger access to your device and/or accounts. 
  • Don’t open links sent in emails from unverified contacts. 
  • Never share sensitive information with an unknown contact.
  • Keep the privacy and spam settings on your devices at their strongest settings. 
  • If you have an issue with an ordered item, contact the retailer directly through their site.
  • When shopping on a new site, look for a physical address, a customer service number and copy that’s free of spelling errors. 

Stay safe!

8 Holiday Shopping Hacks to Help You Save Big This Season

Ready, set… charge! The holiday shopping season is here, and between inflated prices, the rising cost of gas and the urge to splurge, it can be tough to stick to your budget. Here are eight holiday shopping hacks to help keep your spending under control. 

1.      Make a list and check it twice

When you shop with a list in hand, and you’re careful to stick to it, you can make responsible shopping decisions instead of buying every shiny thing that catches your eye. 

2.      Compare prices

All it takes is a few quick clicks or taps to check if the item you want is available somewhere else, and for less. You can also use a price-checking app, like ShopSavvy, to make the search for the hottest deal. 

3.      Don’t shop alone

Grab a friend to help keep you on track as you shop. Share your budget with them, or let them know which gifts you’ll be looking for on this trip. Ask them to gently remind you to stay within budget and on-plan as you browse. 

4.      Take advantage of rebates and refunds

Want to get paid to shop? When you make a purchase through a rebate app, like Earny or Rakuten, you get cash back for every purchase you make.

5.      Buy discounted gift cards

You can find discounted gift cards on sites, like Raise and CardCash, for big-name brands like Lowe’s, Starbucks, Amazon and more. 

6.      Shop with coupons

Before completing an online purchase, do a quick search of sites, like RetailMeNot, to check for available coupons that can bring down the price. You can also use a browser extension, like Honey, which will automatically find and apply coupons while you shop.

7.      Shop early

This year, with anticipated delivery delays and supply shortages, it’s best to tackle your holiday shopping early. Shopping with a clear head, and when the stores are well stocked, will make it easier to stick to your budget.

8.      Buy electronics on Black Friday 

The Black Friday deals you’ll find on TVs, laptops, audio equipment and other electronics will likely be the best you’ll find all year. 

Follow the tips outlined above to save big on gift-shopping this year. A little low on holiday funds? Take advantage of our Holiday Loan Special until December 31st, 2021!

Is Inflation Here to Stay?

According to the most recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. inflation is currently running at a 13-year high of 5.4%, and it’s showing no signs of slowing. Here’s what to know about the current state of the U.S. economy and what you can likely expect in the coming months.

Inflation is not going anywhere soon

Rising prices in just about every sector is the new norm. The inflation rate fell at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and during the nationwide lockdown as people hunkered down at home. In March 2021, though, when the impact of halted manufacturing began hitting the market and crude oil prices started climbing, the inflation rate increased to 2.6% before hitting its current high of 5.4% in June and July. Although the rate started falling in August to 5.3%, it went back up to 5.4% in September. Experts, like the Trading Economics information technology company, now expect that number to continue rising, probably hitting 5.5% in the coming months. 

Unfortunately for the average consumer who’s struggling to cover expenses amid rising costs, this means inflation isn’t going anywhere soon. 

Why are prices so high?

There are several factors for the inflation bubble. First, suppliers are still catching up on production shortages that were caused by factory shutdowns during the pandemic. Second, climate disasters, like California wildfires and a drought in Brazil, are responsible for driving up prices in the food industry. The demand for higher wages, partially caused by the 10.4 million job openings in the U.S., and the rising cost of gas, are contributing to inflation as well. 

What can consumers expect in 2022?

While no one can accurately predict the future, economists are expecting inflation levels to taper off by the middle of 2022. According to a survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal, many are expecting inflation to drop to 3.4% by June 2022 and to continue falling until it hits 1.8% by the end of the year. 

PLEASE NOTE: The statistics and estimates supplied in this article were sourced via the hyperlinked references throughout the blog, and not by High Point Federal Credit Union.

Save Money When Shopping Online

It’s time to replace that rush you get from filling your virtual cart with the high that comes from saving a ton of money.

Get ready to transform the way you shop online.

Just. Wait.

Online retailers are experts at getting you to go from “I-gotta-have-it” to “It’s-on-the-way-to-my-house” quicker than you can say “buyer’s remorse.” Beat them at their own game by waiting a few days before completing a purchase. You may find you don’t really need that item after all. Also, retailers will often email a coupon for you to use for the “forgotten items” in your cart.

Outsmart dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing is that slightly freaky way retailers have of knowing just which products and in just which price range to show you. Outsmart dynamic pricing with these tips:

  • Clear your browsing history or shop incognito
  • Log out of your email and social media accounts
  • Choose localized websites of international brands

Time your purchases right

Sunday’s your day to score cheap airfare.

Bookworms, hit up Amazon and Barnes & Noble on Saturdays when they launch most of their book sales.

Shopping for a new computer? Wait for Tuesday. That’s when big retailers distribute coupons.

For most other purchases, it’s best to shop Wednesday-Friday for the best deals.

Layer coupons

Always use a promo code before a discount coupon. A promo code takes a specified percentage off your entire purchase, while a discount code takes off a dollar amount. If you do it the other way, you’ll save less money. Don’t believe us? Do the math. We’ll wait.

Ask for price-drop refunds

Don’t you hate it when you find out what you bought yesterday just price-dropped? The good news is that some companies offer a refund for newly discounted items if you notify them within a certain timeframe. That’s money back in your pocket. Sweet!

Use multiple emails for discounts

Many retailers offer one-time promo codes for new customers, but you can be a new customer more than once by using a different email address.

Don’t shop alone

We’re not talking human companionship here. It’s 2021. You should not be shopping online without the help of a money-saving app, like PriceGrabber, Rakuten, or RetailMeNot.

Online shopping just got cheap again!

Video Banking