Author: Abbey Bowser

The Ultimate Grad Gift Guide

Celebrate with your grad and show them how proud you are of their accomplishments with these low-cost, awesome gifts!

1.      ID lanyard

Make it easy for your grad to carry their ID and wallet around campus or workplace. Super-cute and durable, these lanyards are the perfect graduation gift. 

2.      ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’

You can’t go wrong with this Dr. Seuss classic! Whimsical, yet inspirational, it’s a great read for the older teen setting off into the big world of adulthood. 

3.      College survival kit

Hit the dollar store to scour the aisles for a big basket, filling it with all sorts of stuff to make a college survival or house/apartment warming kit. Include essentials, like flip flops and hair ties, kitchen utensils and hand soap. Have a bit of fun with extras, like Bluetooth speakers, wall decals and more!

4.      “Open when” letters

Pen some letters for your grad to open at key milestones and/or more challenging times, such as after the first round of final exams, when feeling homesick, when needing a laugh, etc. Your letters will be the gift that keeps on giving throughout their first year outside the nest.

5.      Picture collage

Help your grad have the most awesomely decorated room in college with a fantastic homemade picture collage! Check out their social media pages for their best snapshots and put together a low-cost, meaningful gift they’ll always treasure.

6.      Laundry essentials

Spring for an adorable laundry hamper and fill it with all your grad needs to master the wash. Think detergent, dryer sheets, stain-remover and more. Add a cute note, like “Have LOADS of fun in college!” to complete the gift. 

7.      Chef’s special

Fill a big mixing bowl, Bundt pan or other large basin with all they need to master the kitchen. You can load it up with spatulas, measuring cups and spoons, a cute apron, oven mitts, a skillet and more. You can also add one of the many college cookbooks you’ll find on sites like Amazon.

Use these ideas to find the perfect low-cost gift for your grad. 

What is a Fraud Ring and How Can I Keep Myself Safe?

Q: I’m hearing a lot about fraud rings and their threat to businesses and consumers. What is a fraud ring and how can I keep myself safe?

A: A fraud ring is a group of fraudsters and merchants that can operate for years while stealing money and information, causing tremendous damage and loss along the way.

Let’s take a look at fraud rings, how they operate and how consumers and merchants can keep safe.

What is a fraud ring?

A fraud ring is an organized circle of criminals working to defraud and steal from people. They’ll use the same tactics as smaller scammer groups and individuals, but work on a massive scale. They also tend to have access to way more technology and resources than a typical scammer. Because of this, the harm they can do is on a much larger scale, too.

This form of fraud can consist of a group of criminals, as in any organized crime ring, or it can be made up of a family of crooks working together. The members of this crime ring collaborate to share info that can help them commit acts of fraud to net vast amounts of stolen funds and merchandise.

How does a fraud ring operate?

They can operate under several different pretexts. One common premise involves forgery, in which the fraudsters create fake claims, steal identities and even print counterfeit checks and/or currency. Some rings target individuals, committing identity theft and the like, but many focus on targeting ecommerce websites, businesses, charities or government agencies. 

A fraud ring can commit any of the following scams:

  • Forgery
  • False claims
  • Identity theft
  • Identity manipulation
  • Counterfeit checks and/or currency

How can I recognize this type of fraud? 

Look for these red flags, which can indicate signs of fraud:

  • Large purchases on your credit card or checking account that you didn’t make
  • Bills for loans you haven’t taken out
  • An unexplained, big drop in your credit score

If you own a business, you may be at higher risk of falling victim to a fraud ring. Be sure to look out for several sudden and large purchases from a customer who hasn’t made a purchase in a while, new accounts from customers that quickly become big spenders and claims demanding refunds for faulty products you believe were fine when shipped. 

Detecting instances of fraud at the first sign of suspicion can help mitigate the damage and keep your money and your information safe. Be sure to configure and add e-alerts on your bank accounts.

Stay up to date on prevalent scams and common types of fraud by visiting Olean Area FCU’s Security Corner.

How Can I Save on Entertainment Costs?

Q: In this time of high inflation, how can I save on entertainment costs?

A: With a bit of creativity and pre-planning, you can trim your recreation budget without feeling pinched. We’ve listed eight ways to save on entertainment costs. 

1.      Attend amateur sporting events

Instead of spending big on professional sporting events, get your fix at local high school or college games. You’ll get the same excitement and a game featuring high talent without the high price tag. 

2.      Volunteer

Volunteering your time and service at local organizations provides an outlet and the opportunity to meet new people. Reach out to local soup kitchens, animal shelters, food banks and hospitals to see how you can help. 

3.      Turn a hobby into income

If you’re crafty, you can make money through your hobby by selling your creations on sites like eBay and Etsy. Use some of the money you earn to purchase new supplies and improve your skills. 

4.      Workout at home

Get your workout at home by checking out workout videos on YouTube. You can also get your heart pumping by going for a run in your neighborhood.

5.      Spend less on dining out

Don’t visit a restaurant without checking for coupon codes and discounted gift certificates on sites like Restaurants.com. It’s also a good idea to dine out less often and make meals at home to save money. 

6.      Buy season passes

If you find yourself often visiting the same entertainment center, consider getting a season pass. These may cost as little as two one-time tickets. 

7.      Attend local art shows

Check out local galleries for free events and shows for a night of fine art. Some towns also host monthly art walks featuring several galleries on display at no cost to the viewer. 

8.      Catch a performance at a local college

If you live near a college town, find out about performances and concerts they may be hosting. Lots of performers include colleges in their tours. Score an inexpensive ticket to a big-name concert by attending such an event. 

Don’t let inflation deflate your fun! Use these tips to save on entertainment costs. 

Olean Area FCU Brings Mad City Money to Cuba-Rushford Seniors

Cuba, NY. Olean Area Federal Credit Union staff were welcomed into the Cuba-Rushford school to share their Mad City Money program with nearly 65 high school seniors. The Credit Union (CU) first implemented Mad City Money in 2013, presenting the program in Olean and Allegany high schools. With a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, the credit union employees were excited for the opportunity to bring this program back to local youth.

Originally purchased through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), Mad City Money is a financial education tool that helps high schoolers get a taste of the “real world.” Students get to choose an “identity” at the start of the program, where they’re given an occupation, salary, spouse & children, student loan & credit card debt, and medical insurance payments. They then have to visit various stations to decide on what housing, transportation, childcare, food, and other necessities to purchase while staying within their budget.

Students learn how to calculate their credit card monthly payment, practice writing a check, experience unexpected bills – as well as unexpected financial gains, and discover how much they can actually afford with their given “identity.” While some of the students had money left over at the end to put in their savings, many had to return to certain stations to switch out their purchase for something more affordable.

When asked what the main takeaway of this program was for the students, they reiterated a better understanding of their parents’ spending habits, a realization of how expensive living in the “real world” is, and the importance of paying off debt. Being able to experience these scenarios in a controlled way provides students with a level of financial wisdom they likely wouldn’t have otherwise.

Olean Area FCU is eager to bring Mad City Money to high schools in their expanded field of membership, which includes all of Allegany, Cattaraugus, McKean & Potter counties. For more information and to schedule Mad City Money at your school, email Marketing@oleanfcu.com or call (716) 372-6607.

What to Buy and What to Skip in February

Are you looking to snag some bargain buys this month? We’ve got you covered! Here’s what to buy and what to skip this February. 

Buy: TVs

Whether you’re a diehard football fan or love to binge watch, you can pick up fantastic deals on big-screen TVs in February. These sales often continue through President’s Day and may even run until the end of the month. 

Skip: Flowers

Flowers have their big day in mid-February, but that doesn’t mean fresh blooms are discounted this month. In fact, you’re better off skipping flowers in February and finding another way to express your love.

Buy: Winter gear 

Retailers generously mark down winter gear this month as they make room for the spring stock. Prices on sporting equipment, like skis and snowboards, can be slashed by up to 30%. You can find winter clothing discounted by as much as 80%!  

Skip: Electronics

Aside from TVs, you’ll want to skip all major electronic buys this month. You’re better off purchasing them during Black Friday sales in November. If you can’t wait that long, you can also pick up great deals on electronics during “Black Friday in July” events.

Buy: Furniture

Pick up some beautiful new furniture at great prices during Presidents Day sales, which can run for a full week or two. Be sure to check out prices at several stores before splurging on a big-ticket item since prices on furniture can vary between retailers.

Skip: Fitness equipment and gym memberships

Fitness equipment and gym memberships are at their lowest in January to attract the hordes of people seeking to get fit in the New Year. By February, markdowns on workout gear and promotional offers on gym memberships are gone – and you won’t see them again until warmer weather sets in. 

Buy: Jewelry

During the second half of February, prices on jewelry plunge up to 80%. Hold onto your bargain-priced jewel buys until Mother’s Day, your love partner’s birthday or your shared anniversary. 

Find more financial tips by visiting our blog and following our social media pages!

Black History Month and Credit Unions

Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Black American people. As a financial cooperative, we’re using this month to share the history of Black Americans in the world of finance.

Let’s take a look!

The beginning of the credit union movement

In 1849, Friedrich Raiffeisen founded a credit society in southern Germany with the goal of helping members have a higher standard of living by pooling their savings and offering loans to neighbors and colleagues. This historic credit society was the precursor for today’s credit union movement.

Credit unions first reached American shores in 1909, when Alphonse Desjardins organized a credit union in Manchester, New Hampshire to avoid high interest rates being charged by loan sharks. On April 15 of that year, the Massachusetts Credit Union Act was signed into law, defining credit unions as “a cooperative association formed for the purpose of promoting thrift among its members.”

Credit unions serving the Black community

In 1920, the first credit unions servicing the Black American community were established in the U.S., enabling urban groups to move toward financial independence. At that time, the first Black-owned bank in the U.S., the Capital Savings Bank in Washington, D.C., had been open 32 years. However, it wasn’t until the civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1950s that credit unions servicing the Black community became widespread. Then, under the Johnson administration’s Great Society Initiative, hundreds of credit unions were formed to service low-income demographics, often in Black neighborhoods. These credit unions provided low-income groups with the opportunity to grow their money and to get low-interest loans.

Dozens of banks and credit unions owned by Blacks were established at this time, too. These financial institutions played a crucial role in enabling African Americans to buy homes and establish lines of credit despite ongoing racial discrimination.

Today, there are 41 Black-owned financial institutions across the country, including 21 credit unions.

The African American Credit Union Coalition

In 1999, the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), was formed to promote the strength and reach of the global credit union. The non-profit of African-American professionals and volunteers in the credit union industry supports programs that help increase the number of minorities in the credit union community.

Black Americans and finance

Black Americans initially struggled against prejudice and inequality in all financial sectors. It wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that Black Americans began establishing themselves in the world of finance. Today, the Black American community plays an important role in corporate America despite ongoing discrimination. From financial influencers like Madam Money (Tarra Jackson) to financial podcast hosts like Chris Browning, Black Americans have a powerful impact on the world of finance.

How Can I Save on Super Bowl Sunday?

Q: How can I save big on costs when hosting a party for the big game on Super Bowl Sunday?

A: Super Bowl parties are always great fun, but hosting costs can add up just like Jonathan Taylor piling on the rushing yards. So, we’ve put together some hacks to help you pull off the party of a lifetime without breaking your budget. 

Don’t fumble the decor

Keep the decor simple with free printables of your team’s logo from sites like Pinterest, and by choosing party goods in your team colors instead of branded items. You might also hit the dollar store to score some fun football-themed party supplies. 

Tackle the food together

Ask your guests to help with the food coverage. You can go potluck and have everyone bring one dish, order takeout and split the bill or set up a spreadsheet with all the menu items and have each guest choose one to bring along. 

Skip the Super Bowl platters

Fast-food chains and grocery stores aggressively advertise “game day platters” ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, but these are rarely worth the cost.  Instead, make your own for a fraction of the price and just a few minutes of work.  You can slap together some extra-long hero sandwiches and cut them up for an easy sub platter.  For your health-conscious guests, slice up everyone’s favorite veggies and add a dip for a low-cost veggie platter.

Save on pizza

If you’re going with a pizza party, consider doing it partially homemade by picking up some frozen pies at a great price from your local grocery store. Just pop them in the oven before the party. If you want it hot-from-the-pizza-store fresh, reach out to a few local pizza places ahead of time to see if they’ll be offering any specials, and see who’s offering the best deal. 

Consider your lineup

When setting up your buffet, place more affordable items at the head of the line. These are typically grabbed first, and putting them front and center, with the pricier stuff in the back, will help to ensure you don’t run out of any buffet item too quickly or blow your budget on one pricey food. 

Use the tips outlined above to keep costs down while throwing a Super Bowl party that’s fit for champions. 

OLEAN AREA FCU DONATES $4,000 TO FOOD PANTRIES

Olean, NY – With the giving spirit of the holidays and sense of community they hold year-round, Olean Area FCU announced a $4,000 donation to 4 local food pantries.

The Olean Food Pantry, Creekside Chapel, Loaves & Fishes, and the Portville Community Food Pantry each received $1,000 donations.

“As a credit union, giving back to our local food banks is one of the best ways we could think of to fulfill the credit union philosophy of, ‘people helping people’ this holiday season. We recognize the growing need for this vital service in our community and want to make sure it continues to be available to our friends and neighbors,” said Rich Yeager, President & CEO.

How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud this Holiday Season

With the holiday shopping season heading into its final frenzied stretch, scammers are in full force, taking advantage of busy shoppers. Protect yourself, and your cards, from fraud with these safety measures and preventative tips: 

Monitor your credit

Stay alert and identify the first signs of fraud to your credit accounts by reviewing your credit card statements well. It’s also a good idea to sign up for alerts to be notified of unusual or large purchases made on your card. 

Strengthen your passwords

Do each of your accounts have their own unique password? Are passwords strong, using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols as well as varied capitalization use? If any of your passwords use your personal information, like birth dates or street names, change them. They are easily guessed and then can be used to hack into multiple accounts and/or lead to identity theft. Strengthen any weak passwords now to prevent fraud. 

Shop with caution

Only shop reputable sites and avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links in emails from unverified senders. To confirm a site’s security, look for the lock icon before the URL and the “s” after the “http.” Finally, make sure the security settings on your devices are updated and choose a VPN (virtual private network) when using public Wi-Fi. 

Keep your cards close

Don’t forget to take basic precautions with your credit cards, especially if you’ll be hitting a lot of shops before the holidays. Keep your card tucked into your wallet or purse. If you use a cardholder on your phone case, keep your phone in a safe place and make sure the card numbers are not easily visible. Finally, put your card away right after completing a purchase. 

Take immediate action if there are signs of fraud

If you suspect your credit card has been used fraudulently, alert your issuer and financial institution immediately. Your old card will be canceled to prevent additional bogus charges and you’ll be issued a new one so you can complete your shopping. Consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts as well.

Stay safe!

Your Complete Year-End Financial Checklist

As 2021 draws to a close, take a moment to go through this year-end financial checklist to ensure your finances are in order before the start of the New Year.

1.     Review your budget

Is your current monthly budget working for you? Are you stretching some spending categories or finishing each month in the red? Take some time to review your budget and make any necessary changes.

2.     Top off your retirement plan

Check to see that you are taking full advantage of your employer’s matching contributions for your 401(k). If you haven’t contributed as much as you can, you have until the end of the year to catch up, to a limit of $19,500. If you have an IRA, you have until April 15 to scrape together the maximum contribution of $6,000, with an additional $1,000 if you are 50 years or older. 

3.     Check your progress on paying down debt

Review your outstanding debts from one year ago and hold up the amounts against what you now owe. Have you shed any debt from one year ago, or is your debt growing? If you’ve made no progress, or your debt has deepened, consider taking bigger steps toward paying it down in 2022.

4.     Get a free copy of your annual credit report 

The end of the year is a great time for an annual credit checkup. You can only request a free copy of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies once a year. Get your annual credit report here, and look for fraudulent charges and other signs of possible identity theft.

5.     Review your investments and asset allocation

You may need to make some adjustments to your mix of stocks, bonds, cash and other investments to better reflect your personal financial goals and/or the current state of the economy and market.  

6.     Review your beneficiaries

Has your family situation changed during the past year? If it has, be sure to switch the beneficiaries on your accounts and life insurance policies to accommodate these changes. 

7.     Review your tax withholdings

Review your W-4 to see if the amount of tax withheld from each paycheck needs to be adjusted. If you’re not a numbers person, ask your accountant for help.

Use this checklist to make sure your money matters are in order before the start of 2022.

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!

5 Steps to Take After a Data Breach

Data breaches are becoming more and more frequent. According to Risk Based Security’s Mid-Year Data Breach Report, there were 1,767 publicly reported breaches in the first half of 2021, exposing 18.8 billion records. If your personal information has been compromised by a data breach, take these five steps to mitigate the damage.

Step 1: Read all notices from the compromised company

The business that’s been breached will generally reach out to all potential victims to notify them of the exposure. it may also advise them about next steps. If you believe your information may have been compromised in a breach, read every message you receive from the exposed company. 

Step 2: Alert your financial institution 

Next, let Olean Area Federal Credit Union know if your account may have been compromised.  We will review it for potential signs of fraud.  Watch your accounts closely, sign up for our E-Alerts that will text or email you regarding balance changes that you set up.  Stay vigilant as you may not see anything right away, many times these hackers wait 6 months to a year before trying anything.

Step 3: Change your passwords

A data breach generally means passwords of all kinds may have been compromised. It’s best to change as many as possible after a breach to keep information and money safe. Start by changing passwords you are sure were a part of the breach.

Take these precautions to protect your information from future data breaches:

  • Use strong, unique passwords for each account and opt for two-factor authentication when possible.
  • Never share sensitive information online and review your security and spam settings ensuring they are at their strongest levels.

Step 4: Consider a credit freeze

A credit freeze will alert lenders and credit companies to the fact that you may have been a victim of fraud. This added layer of protection will make it difficult, or impossible, for hackers to open a new credit line or loan in your name. 

Step 5: File an identity theft report

If you believe your identity has been stolen, file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as soon as possible. 

  • Monitor your credit for suspicious activity on a regular basis. 

Don’t Get Spooked by One of these Halloween Scams!

That cackling witch might send your heart fluttering, but Halloween scams are even spookier! Here’s what to know about them:

1. The Joker

Scammers target people with messages promising loads of money for little effort. Just send a bit of money to a digital address using a money transfer app, and your money will double, triple or more. Unfortunately, the joke’s on you.

Spot a money-flipping scam through the amateur writing and the promises of unreal rewards. Also, you know what they say about anything that sounds too good to be true … it probably is. 

2. Night of the Living Dead

In the deceased identity theft scam, scammers steal the identity of someone who is no longer living. They may empty the decedent’s accounts, use their credit history as their own, and use their Social Security number.

Protect a late loved one’s identity by locking their social media accounts, credit report, and Social Security number. Keep an eye on their accounts until their assets have been lawfully divided. 

3. Trick or Treat

You found the perfect costume online – and for a bargain price! You complete your order and wait for the package to arrive. And wait … and then you realize you’ve been tricked. 

In a variation of the online order scam, the package arrives but looks nothing like it did online. You try to find a customer service representative, but they’ve apparently vanished!

Don’t get tricked! Only order from reputable sites that display complete contact information for the company. Ignore offers that scream “Hot Deal! Act Now!” Shop with caution so you’ll only walk away with treats. 

4. Hitman

There’s a hitman at your door – and no, this is no disguise! 

In the hitman scam, scammers pretend to be assassins hired to take out a target. They’ll send extortion emails and messages, promising to spare the target’s life for just a few thousand dollars. Yikes!

Don’t get scammed! If you receive an extortion message, contact local law enforcement. Never share money with an unverified contact. Keep your money and your life safe.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Olean Area FCU ranked among top Commercial Lenders.

Olean Area Federal Credit Union (FCU) was recently ranked among the top 20 largest Buffalo Commercial Lenders by Buffalo Business First. With four branch offices, an expanded Field of Membership, and a $47.41 million Commercial Loan Portfolio, Olean Area FCU earned its seat among 19 other reputable financial institutions in Western New York. 

“It’s exciting to see our credit union on this list,” said Olean Area FCU’s Director of Commercial Lending, Mike Smith. “I sincerely believe this achievement can be attributed to our focus on excellent service and providing the best possible products to our members,”

Olean Area FCU offers a variety of commercial products to meet businesses everyday needs. Their deposit products include business checking, savings, certificates, and merchant services.  Their commercial lending programs give local business owners peace of mind knowing that their commercial team is comprised of local lenders making local decisions. Lending services include term loans, lines of credit, commercial mortgages, credit cards, as well as offering loan programs through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Over the past year, while many business owners navigated their way through the pandemic, the Credit Union assisted over 250 local organizations with over $21 million in funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

As Olean Area FCU approaches their 50th anniversary in 2022, CEO Richard Yeager recently commented on their growth and dedication to service, “To be included as one of the top commercial lenders in our area reflects our commitment to the communities we serve. We strive to give our commercial members flexible rates and terms to assist in their growth, and in turn, the growth of our local economies.” 

Olean Area FCU is the second largest credit union in Western New York, with assets of $388 million. It currently serves over 19,000 members with four locations: 1201 Wayne Street & 206 North Clark Street in Olean, 180 West Main Street in Allegany, and 160 South Main Street in Portville, NY. In addition, Olean Area FCU recently opened an Operations Center at 234 Homer Street in Olean.

Beware Cryptocurrency Scams

Cryptocurrency is one of the hottest investments on the market. It’s also a popular ruse topic for scammers. Here’s what you need to know about cryptocurrency scams. 

How the scams play out 

There are several ways scammers are using cryptocurrency to con people out of their money. 

  • Blackmail. Emails are sent to targets, falsely claiming to have compromising photos, videos, or embarrassing info about them. The contact threatens to go public unless the victim pays up — in cryptocurrency. 
  • Social media. A target receives a social media message appearing to be from a friend, asking for cryptocurrency to help them out of a bind. 
  • Giveaways. These “giveaways” claim to be sponsored by celebrities or big-name cryptocurrency investors. They promise exponential returns for small investments in crypto, or for simply sharing personal info. 
  • Unrealistic Investment Opportunities. Some scammers make offers to invest in a nonexistent crypto mining operation. This is just a way for them to take your money!
  • Romance. Scammers convince victims they have met a legitimate love interest who soon starts talking about fabulous cryptocurrency opportunities with incredible returns. The victim acts upon this advice, and, sadly, loses their money. 

In each of these scams, the victim has no way of recovering the cryptocurrency they shared once an “investment” has been made. 

How to spot a cryptocurrency scam

Look out for these red flags to help avoid cryptocurrency scams: 

  • You’re promised big payouts with guaranteed returns on a small investment in cryptocurrency. 
  • A celebrity or famed cryptocurrency investor is sponsoring a cryptocurrency giveaway.
  • A friend contacts you on social media, claiming they’re caught up in a bind and need quick help by cryptocurrency. 
  • You’re promised free money in cryptocurrency in exchange for sharing some personal information.
  • A caller, new love interest, or organization insists on payment by cryptocurrency.

Never share personal information or money with an unverified contact. Also, if you’re looking to invest in cryptocurrency, look up secure investment sites like Robinhood and Coinbase on your own.

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a cryptocurrency scam, report it to the FTC. If the scam was pulled off on social media, also let the platform know so they can take appropriate action. 

Proceed with caution to keep your money and your information safe. 

Beware of Gift Card Scams

Everyone loves gift cards. Unfortunately, scammers also love them, and for all the wrong reasons. Here’s what you need to know about gift card scams.

How the scams play out

There are several types of gift card scams:

  • The IRS gift card scam. A threatening message that’s allegedly from the IRS claims you’re at risk of arrest for tax evasion unless you pay up pronto! Payment must be made by a gift card. It’s often specifically requested to be an iTunes gift card, because, as you know, the IRS always collects taxes in the form of digital music.
  • The sweepstakes gift card scam. You’ve won a trip to the Cayman Islands! Just pay the processing fee by gift card. You’ll never see that majestic sunset, but your money’s ridden off.
  • The utility gift card scam. If you don’t pay up with a gift card, the lights just might go out. They won’t, but if you fall for the scam, you’ll be out the money you put on the gift card.
  • The balance-check gift card scam. You purchase a discounted gift card online and the seller sends the card but then asks you to read the numbers over the phone to confirm the balance. If you comply, the seller now has all the information they need to drain the card.

How to spot a gift card scam

This information can help you recognize a gift card scam:

  • The IRS will never initiate correspondence by phone call, text message, or email.
  • No authentic business or agency will insist on payment by gift card.
  • If you don’t recall entering a sweepstakes, you probably didn’t win it either.
  • A caller or message claiming a matter is urgent is almost always a scam.

In general, gift cards should not be used as payments and the numbers on your gift card should never be shared over the phone or online. Also, it’s best to purchase gift cards through reputable sellers only.

Steps to take if you’ve fallen victim

First, notify the company that issued the card about the scam. Next, block the scammer’s number from your phone and mark their emails as spam. Finally, alert the FTC about the scam.

Stay safe!

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