Category Archives: Important Alerts & Scams

Protect Your Kids’ Devices from Scammers: A Parent’s Guide to Online Safety

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Phones, tablets, gaming systems, and laptops are part of everyday life for today’s kids. These devices are used for schoolwork, entertainment, and staying connected with friends and family. However, with increased access comes increased risk. Online scammers have been known to target young users through fake apps, phishing messages, gaming platforms, and social media.

At First Financial, we believe protecting your finances also includes protecting your family’s digital life. Here are practical steps parents, guardians, and caregivers can take to help keep children safe online and reduce the risk of scams.

1. Turn On Automatic Updates

Software updates often fix security vulnerabilities that scammers and hackers exploit. If devices aren’t updated regularly, they may be exposed to preventable threats. Make sure automatic updates are enabled for:

  • Operating systems (phones, tablets, computers)
  • Apps and games
  • Web browsers
  • Security software

Setting updates to install automatically ensures devices stay protected without relying on yourself or your kids to have to remember to click “update.”

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Weak or reused passwords are one of the most common ways scammers gain access to accounts. Teaching kids how to create strong passwords is a critical life skill. Strong passwords should:

  • Be at least 12 characters long.
  • Include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Avoid personal details like birthdays, school names, or pet names.
  • Be different for each account.

For older children and teens, consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords safely.

3. Secure Your Home’s Wi-Fi Network

Your home’s Wi-Fi network connects every device in your household. If not properly secured, outsiders may be able to access it and intercept sensitive information. To strengthen your home’s network:

  • Change the default router name and password.
  • Use strong encryption settings (WPA2 or WPA3).
  • Create a strong, unique Wi-Fi password.
  • Disable remote management features if not needed.
  • Set-up a separate guest network for visitors.

Taking these steps reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your family’s devices.

4. Set Up Parental Controls

Parental controls are valuable tools for managing screen time, blocking inappropriate content, and preventing unauthorized purchases. Most devices and operating systems include built-in parental control features. These tools can help you:

  • Limit access to certain websites or apps.
  • Require approval for app downloads.
  • Set screen time limits.
  • Restrict in-app purchases.
  • Monitor activity where appropriate.

The goal here isn’t surveillance, it’s setting boundaries and building safe digital habits.

5. Teach Good Online Habits

Technology tools are important, but conversations are just as critical. Open communication helps children recognize risks and make smart decisions online. Teach kids to:

  • Be cautious about clicking on unfamiliar links.
  • Ignore messages asking for personal information.
  • Avoid sharing passwords, addresses, or financial details.
  • Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers.
  • Tell a trusted adult if something feels suspicious.

Encourage your kids to pause before responding to messages that create urgency or fear, which are common tactics used by scammers.

6. Review App Permissions

Many apps request access to cameras, microphones, contacts, or location data. Not all of these permissions are necessary. Before installing apps:

  • Review what permissions various apps request.
  • Disable unnecessary access to location or contacts.
  • Download apps only from official app stores.
  • Periodically review and remove unused apps.

Reducing app permissions helps limit how much personal information is shared.

7. Monitor Financial Activity

Even children’s gaming accounts and app stores can be tied to family payment methods. Regularly review your account statements and transaction history to catch unauthorized charges early. Consider:

  • Setting spending limits.
  • Requiring approval for purchases.
  • Using alerts for account activity.
  • Monitoring bank and credit card statements closely.

Catching suspicious transactions quickly can help prevent larger financial losses down the road.

Protecting What Matters Most

Online safety isn’t a one-time setup. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, especially on platforms that are popular with kids and teens. Protecting your child’s devices requires ongoing attention. By combining strong technical protections with honest conversations and proactive monitoring, you can significantly reduce your family’s exposure to online threats.

First Financial is committed to helping families stay informed and protected, both digitally and financially. If you ever have concerns about suspicious activity or fraud affecting your accounts with us, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about safeguarding your financial information and keeping your family safe from scams. Be sure to also subscribe to our First Scoop blog to get the latest in scams and important alerts delivered right to your inbox.

Virtual Casting Call Scams: What They Are and How to Protect Yourself

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Dreaming of a role in a movie or TV show? Scammers are taking advantage of that excitement through virtual casting call scams, which is a growing form of fraud that can lead to financial loss and identity theft.

These scams often start with an unexpected message from someone claiming to be a “talent scout” offering a virtual audition for a well-known production. While the opportunity may sound exciting, it’s important to know the warning signs before engaging.

How Virtual Casting Call Scams Work

These scams typically follow a predictable pattern. Be cautious if you notice any of the following:

Unexpected Outreach: Victims receive unsolicited texts or messages claiming they were “discovered” and invited to audition, even though they never applied.

Requests for Payment: Before the audition, scammers ask for payment, credit card details, or gift cards to “secure” a spot or cover administrative fees. Legitimate casting calls do not charge audition fees.

High Pressure Virtual Calls: If a virtual audition does take place, scammers often pressure victims into paying for fake photo shoots, acting classes, or priority representation to move forward.

No Opportunity, No Refund: Once payment is made, the scammer typically disappears, leaving victims without a role, services, or their money.

How to Protect Yourself

To reduce your risk:

  • Don’t respond to unsolicited casting messages.
  • Never pay upfront for auditions or representation.
  • Research casting agencies and opportunities independently.
  • Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown contacts.
  • Use your phone’s tools to block and report suspicious messages.

If something feels off or if it seems too good to be true, trust your instincts.

What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe you’ve interacted with a virtual casting call scammer:

  1. Stop communicating immediately with the scammer.
  2. Save messages, receipts, and screenshots for your records.
  3. Contact your financial institution or credit card provider right away to report suspicious or unauthorized charges.
  4. Report the message as spam by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) or using your phone’s “report junk” option.
  5. Delete the message once it’s been reported.
  6. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help protect others.

Acting quickly can help limit financial damage and stop scammers from targeting more people.

The Final Takeaway

Virtual casting call scams prey on excitement and opportunity, but awareness is your best defense. Knowing the red flags and taking steps to protect your financial information can help you avoid becoming a victim.

If you ever have concerns about fraud or suspicious transactions on your First Financial accounts – we’re here to help. Contact us with any questions.

Secret Santa Turned Scam: What to Know About the “Secret Sister” Gift Exchange

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The holidays are a time for generosity, connection, and giving back – which is exactly why scammers ramp up their activity this time of year. One scheme that resurfaces every holiday season is the “Secret Sister” gift exchange scam, often disguised as a Secret Santa-style tradition on social media.

While the idea sounds harmless and festive, this “gift exchange” is actually an illegal pyramid scheme designed to benefit only a few people at the top, while leaving most participants with empty hands and in some cases – lost money.

Here’s how the scam works, what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself and your family.

What Is the “Secret Sister” Scam?

This scam typically appears on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. A post usually invites you to join a gift exchange where you’ll:

  • Send one gift (often $10–$20 in value) to a stranger.
  • Add your name to a list.
  • Share the post with friends so more gifts come back to you.

The promise? If enough people join, you’ll receive multiple gifts in return.

In reality, very few participants ever receive anything. The system only works for the first few people at the top, making it a classic pyramid scheme – which is illegal in the U.S.

Why This Scam is So Dangerous

While it may seem like “just a gift,” this scam can lead to:

  • Financial loss.
  • Sharing personal information with strangers.
  • Increased risk of identity theft.
  • Friends unintentionally scamming friends.

Even worse, many people unknowingly help spread the scam by reposting it.

Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

If you see a post that includes any of the following, proceed with extreme caution:

  • Promises of receiving multiple gifts in return for sending just one.
  • Being asked to send a gift to someone you don’t know.
  • Instructions to copy and paste the post exactly as it appears.
  • Requests to share in multiple groups.
  • Pressure to act quickly.

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!

What to Do if You See the Scam

If you encounter a “Secret Sister” post:

  1. Do not participate.
  2. Do not share the post.
  3. Report the post on the social platform.
  4. Let the person who posted it know, as they may not realize it’s a scam.

Helping to stop the spread protects others in your community, too.

How First Financial Helps Keep You Safe

At First Financial, protecting your financial well-being is our top priority. Our team is always here to help you:

  • Spot common scams and fraud trends.
  • Secure your accounts.
  • Understand safe ways to give during the holidays.
  • Recover as quickly as possible if suspicious activity occurs.

If you ever have questions about a suspicious message or payment request – contact us right away. It’s always better to ask if you are unsure, than to risk your financial security.

The Bottom Line

The “Secret Sister” scam thrives during the season of giving because it taps into trust, generosity, and community – but true holiday spirit should never come with financial risk. This year, protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed, trusting your instincts, and choosing safe, legitimate ways to spread holiday cheer.

To see more articles like this delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our First Scoop Blog.

Don’t Fall Victim to Task Scams

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In today’s digital world, scams are constantly evolving and one of the newest schemes gaining traction online is known as a “task scam.” These scams often appear innocent at first, offering quick and easy ways to make money from your phone or laptop. But behind the promise of fast cash, lies a setup designed to steal your personal information or your hard-earned money.

At First Financial, your financial security is our top priority. Here’s what you need to know about how task scams work and how to protect yourself.

What is a Task Scam?

A task scam occurs when someone contacts you, often through social media platforms, messaging apps, or online job boards – offering to pay you for completing simple online “tasks.” These might include:

  • Liking or following social media pages.
  • Writing fake product reviews.
  • Rating services or apps you never actually used.
  • Boosting a company’s “online reputation.”

Scammers usually start by sending you a small payment to gain your trust. Once you’re convinced the opportunity is legitimate, they may ask you to “unlock higher commissions” by paying a small fee or completing more tasks that require personal information or banking details.

Unfortunately, once you send the payment or share sensitive information – the scammer will disappear and your money (and sometimes sensitive data) may be gone.

For more details on how these scams work, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published an alert on How to Spot and Avoid Task Scams. It’s a great resource for learning how scammers operate and what red flags to watch out for.

Common Red Flags of a Task Scam

Be cautious if you notice any of these warning signs:

  1. You’re contacted out of the blue by someone offering easy money for simple online work.
  2. You’re asked to pay a fee or make a deposit before receiving more tasks or a larger payout.
  3. The company has no verified website or contact information.
  4. Payments come through gift cards, crypto, or unfamiliar apps.
  5. You’re asked to share banking or personal details to receive payment.

If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Research the company or contact. Look up names, email addresses, and websites before engaging.
  • Never pay to get paid. Legitimate employers will never ask you to send money to start earning.
  • Avoid sharing personal information. Do not provide bank account or credit card details.
  • Be cautious on social media. Scammers often use fake profiles and impersonate real companies.
  • Report suspicious activity. If you think you’ve been targeted, contact your financial institution right away. You can also report scams directly to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve sent money or information to a scammer:

  1. Contact your financial institution immediately. Your bank or credit union can help secure your accounts and prevent further loss.
  2. Change your passwords. Protect your email, banking, and social media accounts.
  3. Report the scam. Notify the FTC and your local authorities.

Taking quick action can minimize damage and protect others from becoming victims.

We’re Here to Help

Your online safety matters. We’re committed to helping our members protect their finances. If you ever receive a suspicious message or request involving one of your First Financial accounts, please contact us. Our team can help you verify legitimate communications, secure your accounts, and guide you through reporting fraud safely.

Stay up to date on the latest in scams by subscribing to our First Scoop Blog, and following along with our Important Alerts and Scams articles.

Calls About a Loan You Never Applied For? What to Know

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Have you recently received a call (or many) claiming you have a pending loan application you never submitted? You’re not alone. Many consumers have reported getting these types of calls and while they might sound legitimate, they’re often a sign of a scam or an unethical sales tactic.

What’s Really Going On

If you’re getting calls about loans you never applied for, it’s usually one of two things:

  1. A scammer attempting to steal your personal information. These callers may say they need to “verify your identity” or “finish your loan application,” and ask for sensitive information like your Social Security Number, bank account details, or date of birth. Once shared, that information can be used to commit identity theft or fraud in your name.
  2. A high-pressure sales pitch from a questionable lender. Some companies use aggressive marketing tactics to contact consumers who never inquired about a loan, hoping to push them into accepting an offer on the spot. They may use phrases like “you’ve been preapproved” or “your loan is ready for funding,” to create a false sense of urgency.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be cautious if the caller:

  • Asks for personal information over the phone, especially if it’s out of the blue and you haven’t applied for any loans.
  • Pressures you to act immediately or threatens penalties for “not completing” your loan application.
  • Claims to represent a well-known lender, but can’t provide clear verification.
  • Uses generic or suspicious contact information (such as a Gmail address or a masked phone number).

What to Do if You Get One of These Calls

  • Hang up and don’t share personal information. Never confirm your identity or provide sensitive details, unless you initiated the call to a lender you are working with on a known loan application.
  • Verify directly with your financial institution. If you’re unsure, call your bank or credit union using a verified number from their website.
  • Report the scam. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or your state’s consumer protection office.
  • Monitor your credit reports. Check your reports regularly for new accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize. You can do this for free at annualcreditreport.com.

Protect Yourself with a Trusted Lender

When you need a loan, always work with a reputable financial institution that prioritizes your safety and privacy. At First Financial, we’ll never contact you out of the blue asking for personal information or pressure you about a loan you didn’t apply for. Our team takes fraud prevention seriously and is here to help you navigate your financial needs with confidence.

Stay informed. Stay secure. And remember, when it comes to unexpected loan calls – it’s always better to hang up and dial your trusted lender directly, than to hand over your personal or financial information to a fraudster.

If you’re ever unsure about a loan offer or you’d like to explore legitimate borrowing options, visit us at firstffcu.com or contact our team directly. Keep Thinking First!

Unemployment Scams: How to Protect Yourself

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Unemployment benefits are meant to help people without a job during tough times. Unfortunately, scammers have been known to sometimes take advantage of the system by filing for these benefits using someone else’s personal information. Even if you never applied for unemployment, you could suddenly receive benefits notices, tax forms, or even payments tied to your identity. That’s a big red flag. Keep reading to learn how to spot an unemployment scam and ways you can protect yourself and your finances.

How to Spot an Unemployment Scam

There are often a few telltale signs something isn’t right. If you applied for unemployment, you might find that your application was denied because someone already filed under your name, or that your benefits were approved – but the money never arrived.

If you didn’t apply, you may receive letters from the state unemployment office, a notice from your employer that someone used your identity, or even a 1099-G tax form showing unemployment income you never received. In some cases, money may even show up in your bank account, followed by a call from someone claiming it was a mistake.

Why This Matters

Unemployment scams often lead to bigger problems. Identity thieves may use your personal details to commit other types of fraud, damage your credit, or create headaches at tax time. If you do ever need unemployment benefits in the future, your claim could also be delayed or denied.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid an unemployment scam from happening to you:

  • Only share sensitive information like your Social Security Number or bank details through official, trusted channels.
  • Always file for unemployment directly through your state’s unemployment agency website.
  • Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity and consider freezing your credit if you suspect fraud.
  • Watch for IRS forms that don’t match your situation, such as a 1099-G for benefits you didn’t receive.
  • Report suspicious activity right away to your state unemployment office, your employer, and the FTC.

First Financial is Here for You

At First Financial, we take your security seriously. Our team works around the clock to protect our members’ accounts, monitor unusual activity, and provide resources if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud. If you ever suspect an unemployment scam or identity theft regarding one of your First Financial accounts, reach out to us immediately – we’re always here to help safeguard your finances.

Stay up to date on the latest in scams by subscribing to our First Scoop Blog, and following along with our Important Alerts and Scams articles.