When Shopping Online:

• Stick to trusted retailers. Research unfamiliar sites and look for real reviews before you buy.
• Check for HTTPS. A secure URL and lock icon help protect your info.
• Be skeptical of “too good to be true” deals. Deep-discount scams tend to spike during high-volume shopping periods—such as the holidays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, tax season, and major retailer events like Prime Day.
• Download apps safely. Use official app stores and review permissions.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases. Use a secure network or your phone’s hotspot instead.
• Watch for phishing emails. Verify the sender and go directly to the retailer’s website if in doubt.
• Use a credit card for online purchases. It offers stronger fraud protection than a debit card.

Think Before You Click

Phishing scams—where fraudsters send fake emails or texts posing as retailers can happen any time of year. Instead of clicking a link, go directly to the retailer’s official site to log in or check order details.

Track Your Spending

Keeping tabs on your online purchases helps you stay on budget and spot suspicious activity early. Maps Credit Union’s mobile and online banking tools make it easy to monitor transactions and see where your money is going.

• Set up transaction alerts to get notified when purchases post to your account.
• Review activity regularly so unfamiliar charges don’t go unnoticed.
• Act quickly if something looks off—reporting suspicious activity right away can help limit losses.

If you think you have been scammed, or you spot suspicious activity on your Maps accounts, contact us right away at 503.588.0181 or visit any branch so we can help protect your information.