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<p>The holiday season brings joy, generosity, and great deals but it also attracts scammers looking to take advantage of the rush. With more people shopping, donating, and booking travel online, cyber scams are on the rise.</p><p>According to the FBI&rsquo;s 2024 Global Holiday Shopping Scams Study, 1 in 3 Americans fell victim to a holiday scam last year. Even more alarming, 58% lost money, and nearly 1 in 10 lost over $1,000. Scammers exploit the busy season through fake retail sites, phishing emails or text messages, counterfeit delivery notices, and fraudulent charity appeals.</p><p>Here are some of the most common holiday scams to watch for and how to keep your money and information safe.</p><h3><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Gift Card Scams</span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></h3><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/gift-cards536b71a5-c794-4722-8827-e10436c21202.png?sfvrsn=da580592_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">A common tactic this time of year involves scammers pressuring people to buy gift cards as &ldquo;payment&rdquo; for urgent business or personal reasons. Once they have the numbers and PINs, the balance is gone within minutes.</span></p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Stay safe:</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Never share gift card details by phone, text, or email. No legitimate company or government agency will ask for payment this way.</p><h3>Fake Charity Scams</h3><p>Fake charities often appear during the holidays, imitating real organizations to steal donations.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">How to protect yourself:</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Before you give, research charities through trusted sources to confirm legitimacy.</p><h3>Package Delivery Scams &amp; Porch Pirates</h3><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/packages.png?sfvrsn=9db71fe4_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><p>Scammers send fake &ldquo;tracking&rdquo; emails or delivery notification texts with malicious links that infect your device with malware. Meanwhile, real deliveries face another threat: bold porch pirates. Visit our blog on package safety for more delivery protection tips.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Protection Tips:</h4><ul><li>Track deliveries directly through the retailer&rsquo;s official site.</li><li>Use secure package drop boxes or lockers when possible.</li><li>Monitor your doorbell camera and ask a trusted neighbor to collect packages if you&rsquo;re away.</li></ul><h3>Temporary Holiday Job Scams</h3><p>Many people look for seasonal work, and scammers take advantage of that with fake job postings that are often remote and promise easy money but require fees or personal information.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Watch for red flags:</h4><ul><li>Never pay to apply for a job or purchase supplies.</li><li>Be skeptical of &ldquo;no-interview&rdquo; offers or jobs that seem too perfect.</li><li>Always request a formal offer letter before doing any work.</li></ul><h3>Holiday Travel Scams</h3><p>Fraudulent websites and ads promote &ldquo;exclusive&rdquo; vacation packages or discounted flights that disappear after you pay. To stay safe, be cautious of travel deals that seem too good to be true.&nbsp;</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Stay alert:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Avoid clicking on links for travel ads on social media or sponsored search results.</li><li>Book directly through reputable travel companies or verified agencies.</li><li>Be cautious of deals that seem unusually low or suspicious.</li><li><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Visit our blog for helpful security tips on using online banking safely while traveling.</span></li></ul><h3><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Sweepstakes &amp; Survey Scams</span></h3><p>You might receive an email, text, or call saying you&rsquo;ve &ldquo;won&rdquo; a prize but before claiming it, they ask for personal information or payment.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Protect yourself:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Legitimate contests or giveaways never require you to pay fees or share sensitive information to claim a prize.&nbsp;</li><li>Always be cautious of unexpected &ldquo;you&rsquo;ve won&rdquo; messages, especially if you didn&rsquo;t enter the contest.&nbsp;</li><li>Ignore suspicious messages and report them as spam or phishing.</li></ul><h3><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Online Shopping Scams</span></h3><p>Fake websites and phishing emails promote huge discounts to steal credit card information or login credentials.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Shop smart:</h4><ul><li>Stick to trusted sites and check that the URL starts with &ldquo;https://&rdquo;.</li><li>Avoid clicking on unfamiliar ads or links, especially those that seem urgent.</li></ul><h3>Malicious App Scams</h3><p>Some apps disguised as games, shopping tools, or holiday deals can contain malware that steals your personal data once installed.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Play it safe:</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Download apps only from official app stores and check reviews before installing.</p><h3>QR Code Scams</h3><p>Scammers may send texts, emails, or even packages with fake QR codes that lead to phishing sites or installing malware.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">What to do:</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Only scan QR codes from trusted sources, such as verified businesses or official communications.</p><h3>Counterfeit Product Scams</h3><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/counterfeit.png?sfvrsn=429c0bf5_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><p>Knockoff products are a growing issue during the holidays. These scams often involve fake or low-quality items marketed as luxury or limited-edition deals, posing as legitimate retailers.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Before you buy:</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Read customer reviews, check seller ratings, inspect product photos, and be wary of unusually low prices.</p><h3>How to Protect Yourself</h3><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Shop smart</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Use trusted and reputable retailers, secure websites (https://), and secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Think before you click</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Avoid links or ads from unknown sources, especially if they sound urgent or &ldquo;too good to be true.&rdquo;</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Monitor your accounts</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Check statements regularly with Metro's online banking and report suspicious activity immediately.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Verify charities</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Research before donating to ensure your money goes to a legitimate cause.</p><h4 style="margin-left:30px;">Stay informed</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Keep an eye on your accounts and visit our Fraud Protection page for the latest scam alerts and safety tips.</p><hr /><h3>How to Report Fraud to Metro Credit Union</h3><p>If you suspect fraudulent activity or unrecognized transactions on your Metro Credit Union account, contact us immediately:</p><ul><li><strong>By Phone:</strong> 402.551.3052</li><li><strong>In Person:</strong> Visit one of our branches</li><li><strong>Online:</strong> Use the secure Message Center in the Metro Credit Union app or website</li></ul><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Stay alert and proactive this season. With a few extra precautions, you protect your information and money while you shop, give, and travel. Visit our fraud protection page for more information and the latest scam alerts.</span></p><div><br /></div>

<p>You&rsquo;re already cutting expenses, automating savings, and maybe even using Metro&rsquo;s budgeting tool to track your spending. But the real question remains: <strong>is your money in the right account?</strong></p><p>Where you keep your money matters just as much as how much you save, especially when your goals, needs, and life stage are always changing. The right account can help you earn more, stay organized, and reach your goals faster whether that&rsquo;s building an emergency fund, preparing for a big purchase, or saving for retirement.</p><p>Metro offers several smart options beyond a traditional savings account. Here are a few safe places where your money can grow so you can choose what best fits your goals.</p><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/blogimage.png?sfvrsn=de7bf631_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><h3>Why a Basic Savings Account Isn&rsquo;t Always Enough</h3><p>Every Metro membership starts with a simple <a href="/accounts/savings-accounts" target="_blank">savings account</a>. It&rsquo;s a great first step toward building healthy money habits. But if your money is sitting in a low-interest account, you could miss out on its full growth potential.</p><p>That&rsquo;s why we offer savings accounts that earn interest and higher-yield options like <a href="/accounts/money-market" target="_blank">money market </a>accounts and <a href="/accounts/certificates" target="_blank">certificates</a>. These help your money do more for you while staying safe.</p><h3>Checking Accounts That Work for You</h3><p>A checking account is often where your paycheck goes, how bills get paid, and what you use for everyday spending.</p><p>Metro <a href="/accounts/checking-accounts" target="_blank">checking accounts</a> are simple, reliable, and built to make your life easier. You&rsquo;ll get easy access to your money with a free debit card and <a href="/services/online-banking" target="_blank">online banking</a> tools that let you manage your account anywhere, anytime.</p><p>Getting started is easy with a no-cost checking option. Or choose an account with added perks like earning monthly interest, free BillPay, and free cashier&rsquo;s checks.</p><p>Pair your <a href="/accounts/checking-accounts" target="_blank">checking account</a> with a savings strategy that fits your goals, and you&rsquo;ll have a strong financial foundation that supports both your everyday spending and your long-term plans.</p><h3>Money Market Accounts: Flexibility and Higher Returns</h3><p>If you want your money to earn more but still stay accessible, a <a href="/accounts/money-market" target="_blank">money market</a> account may be the right choice. These accounts offer a smart balance between earning competitive rates and maintaining liquidity. They&rsquo;re ideal for emergency funds, saving for major purchases, or when you want better returns without committing to <a href="/accounts/certificates" target="_blank">certificate </a>restrictions.</p><h4>Regular Money Market</h4><ul><li>$2,500 minimum balance</li><li>No monthly fees if minimum is met</li><li>Up to six free withdrawals per month</li><li>Federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000</li></ul><h4>High-Yield Money Market</h4><ul><li>$50,000 minimum balance</li><li>Higher interest rate</li><li>One free withdrawal per month</li><li>Federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000</li></ul><h3>Certificates: Lock in Your Rate and Maximize Growth</h3><p>Sometimes, the best way to grow your money is to set it aside for a little while. If you don&rsquo;t need to access your funds right away, a Metro <a href="/accounts/certificates" target="_blank">certificate </a>offers steady, reliable growth with the peace of mind that your savings are secure.</p><ul><li>Guaranteed rate for the length of your term</li><li>Flexible terms from 3 months to 5 years</li><li>Competitive rates designed to maximize savings</li><li>Minimum opening deposit as low as $500</li><li>Federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000<br /></li></ul><h3><hr />Save With a Purpose</h3><p>The most effective way to save is to connect your accounts to your goals. Ask Yourself:</p><h4>Do I need quick access to my money?</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">If so, a <a href="/accounts/money-market" target="_blank">money market</a> account could be a good fit. You&rsquo;ll earn more than a <a href="/accounts/savings-accounts" target="_blank">regular savings</a> account and still have access when needed.</p><h4>Can I set aside money for a set amount of time?</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">A <a href="/accounts/certificates" target="_blank">certificate </a>might be right for you. You&rsquo;ll lock in a higher rate for a fixed term, perfect for money you don&rsquo;t need to touch right away.</p><h4>Am I just getting started?</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Our <a href="/accounts/savings-accounts" target="_blank">regular savings</a> make it easy to manage your money, build good habits, and grow your savings with no monthly fees.</p><h4>Am I saving specifically for retirement?</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">An <a href="/accounts/ira" target="_blank">IRA</a> could be the best choice. Metro offers both Traditional and Roth IRAs with tax advantages that help your money grow for the future.</p><p>Through Metro&rsquo;s online banking services, you can even label and separate your savings for different goals, making it easier to track your progress.</p><h3>Savings Strategies to Grow Your Balance Faster</h3><p>No matter which account you choose, a few smart strategies can help you save more effectively. Start with these savings tips below to achieve your financial goals:</p><h4>Automate your savings</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Set up automatic transfers from checking to savings to make consistent progress without thinking about it.</p><h4>Take advantage of rate increases</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">When certificate or money market rates rise, consider reinvesting to capture higher yields.</p><h4>Label your short and long-term savings goals</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Use Metro&rsquo;s online banking to name your accounts (e.g., &ldquo;Vacation Fund,&rdquo; &ldquo;Emergency Savings,&rdquo; &ldquo;Home Down Payment&rdquo;) and stay motivated.</p><h4>Revisit your plan annually</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Life changes &mdash; your savings plan should too. Review your accounts each year to ensure you&rsquo;re maximizing growth opportunities.</p><p>These small steps compound over time, helping you reach milestones faster while keeping your money secure.</p><hr /><h3>Make the Most of Your Money</h3><p>If it&rsquo;s been a while since you reviewed where your money is sitting, now&rsquo;s the perfect time to make a change. No two savings journeys are the same and that&rsquo;s the point. The best place to put your money depends on what you&rsquo;re working towards.</p><p>Open a Metro <a href="/accounts/checking-accounts" target="_blank">checking</a>, <a href="/accounts/money-market" target="_blank">money market</a>, or <a href="/accounts/certificates" target="_blank">certificate </a>account today. Our team can walk through your options, answer your questions, and help you find the best place to save your money. Stop by a branch, give us a call, or explore our savings options online.</p><div><br /></div>

<p>Payday made easy. Set up direct deposit with Metro Credit Union and enjoy automatic access to your money the moment it hits your account.</p><h3>What is Direct Deposit?</h3><p>With direct deposit, your paycheck or government benefits, including Social Security, are automatically sent to your checking account or savings account. Since paper checks are no longer common, your funds are available immediately and safely.</p><p>With Metro Credit Union direct deposit, your funds are securely deposited and ready to use with our state-of-the-art online banking and mobile app tools.</p><p>More than 90% of American workers already use direct deposit and for good reason. It&rsquo;s faster, safer, and helps you manage your money more efficiently. If you&rsquo;re still depositing paper checks, here&rsquo;s why now is the time to make the switch:</p><h3>Why Set Up Direct Deposit with Metro Credit Union?</h3><img alt="" src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/directdepositblogbody.png?sfvrsn=75b77278_1" sf-size="100" /><h4>Faster Access to Your Money</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Direct Deposit often clears instantly, so there&rsquo;s no waiting for checks to process or worry about lost mail or delayed delivery. Your money is typically available on payday, ready for bills, transfers, or purchases.</p><h4>Stronger Security and Reliability</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Paper checks can get lost, stolen, or damaged. Direct deposit sends your money directly to your Metro Credit Union account, reducing the risk of fraud.&nbsp;</p><h4>Save Time with Greater Convenience</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">If you don&rsquo;t have time to visit a branch or ITM every payday, direct deposit makes things easier. Your money is already waiting for you, and you get paid no matter where you are, making it easier to manage your finances on the go.</p><h4>Smarter Budgeting and Money Management</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">A consistent, on-time paycheck makes budgeting simpler. Use Metro&rsquo;s online and mobile banking tools to:</p><ul style="margin-left:30px;"><li>Track spending in real-time</li><li>Set up automatic bill payments with BillPay</li><li>Transfer between accounts or link external ones</li><li>Get alerts for account activity and due dates</li><li>View your FICO&reg; Score, updated quarterly</li><li>Securely message our Contact Center</li></ul><h4>Build Your Savings Automatically</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">If saving money is a challenge, direct deposit can help. Automate your savings by directing a portion of your paycheck into a separate savings or money market account. This &ldquo;pay yourself first&rdquo; strategy builds your emergency fund, travel fund, or other savings goals without extra effort. Click here for tips on creating a budget that fits your lifestyle.</p><h3>How Direct Deposit Supports Better Financial Habits</h3><p>Direct deposit does more than just save time, it helps you stay consistent with your money goals. When your paycheck is automatically distributed, you&rsquo;re more likely to stick to a plan, avoid impulse spending, and build long-term savings.</p><p>Here&rsquo;s how it encourages smarter habits:</p><h4>Predictable paydays</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Make it easier to plan bills, loan payments, and savings transfers.</p><h4>Automatic accountability</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Your savings grow without needing willpower.</p><h4>Improved financial awareness</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Real-time mobile notifications from Metro help you track spending and progress.</p><h3>Maximize the Benefits of Direct Deposit</h3><p>Here&rsquo;s how to make the most of direct deposit with Metro Credit Union:</p><h4>Automate your savings</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Send a portion of your paycheck into a high-yield money market or certificate for faster growth.</p><h4>Simplify bill payments</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Schedule payments around your payday.</p><h4>Split deposits across accounts</h4><p style="margin-left:30px;">Support multiple financial goals, checking for daily use, savings for emergencies, and investments for the future&nbsp;</p><h3>How to Set Up Direct Deposit at Metro Credit Union</h3><p>Getting started is easy:</p><ol><li>Ask your employer or benefits administrator for a direct deposit form.</li><li>Provide Metro Credit Union&rsquo;s routing number and your account number (we can help you find these).</li><li>Choose whether your deposit goes to checking, savings, or both.</li><li>That&rsquo;s it! Your next payday could be faster, simpler, and more convenient.</li></ol><h3>Simplify Payday with Metro Credit Union</h3><p>When you choose Direct Deposit with Metro Credit Union, you&rsquo;ll experience:</p><ul><li>Fast, secure access to your paycheck&nbsp;</li><li>Time-saving convenience</li><li>Reliable protection compared to paper checks</li><li>Automatic budgeting and savings tools&nbsp;</li><li>Full control of your finances through our online and mobile banking platforms</li></ul><h3>Security and Privacy: How Metro Protects Your Direct Deposits</h3><p>Every direct deposit to Metro Credit Union is protected by advanced encryption and fraud monitoring. Funds are transferred through secure, verified channels, never by email or text, and deposits are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000.</p><p>To stay even safer, monitor your accounts through Metro&rsquo;s mobile app, enable transaction alerts, and never share your account details with anyone claiming to &ldquo;verify&rdquo; a deposit. Your security is built into every step of the process.</p><h3>Set Up Direct Deposit Today</h3><p>Contact your HR department or benefits administrator today and make payday the easiest day of the month.</p><div><br /></div>