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Holiday shopping season is almost here, and with it comes a flood of emails, social media ads, and “limited-time” deals. Some are legitimate. Some are not, and the fakes are getting much harder to spot.
For years, scam shopping sites gave themselves away with blurry photos, bad grammar, and layouts that just felt off. Today, scammers are using artificial intelligence to build near-perfect copies of real stores in minutes. Data from NordVPN shows a 250% spike in the creation of fake shopping sites, with scammers using AI to make them look legitimate. Some copy well-known retailers down to the logo. Others invent brand-new “boutiques” from scratch, complete with AI-generated product photos, fake customer reviews, and even deepfakes of trusted people.
Why it matters
Shopping scams are among the most common frauds Americans report. Online shopping scams, including items that are paid for but never delivered, were the second most common type of fraud reported in 2025. The typical story is simple: you pay, and the package never arrives, or something arrives that looks nothing like what you ordered. Meanwhile, the card number you entered may be used again somewhere else.
How it usually happens
Many of these scams start with an ad in your social feed or an email promising deep discounts, sometimes 80% to 90% off, that looks like it came from a retailer you know but links to a copycat site. Others show up in search results or come in by text as a “shipping problem” with your order, often through cloned tracking pages. Some go even further, using AI to generate too-good-to-be-true prices, glowing reviews, and deepfake celebrity endorsements.
How to find your way to the real store
A few simple habits will keep you on the right path:
Go straight to the source. Type the retailer’s address yourself or use their official app instead of clicking links in ads, emails, or texts.
Read the web address slowly. Fake sites often use addresses that look almost right, with one swapped letter, an extra word, or an unusual ending like .shop or .store instead of .com.
Don’t let the padlock fool you. A lock icon and “https” mean the connection is encrypted, not that the business is real. Scammers can get those too.
Look past the polish. A brand-new site with no phone number, no physical address, or a vague return policy is worth a second look. So is a page full of perfect five-star reviews.
Be wary of unusual payment requests. If a site asks you to pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or a payment app, or tries to move you off the platform to finish checkout, walk away.
Use a credit card when you can. Experts recommend paying with a credit card because it gives you the most protection if something goes wrong.
If price is the only reason it caught your eye, pause. Massive discounts on popular or sold-out items are a classic lure.
Keep an eye on your accounts
Even careful shoppers get caught sometimes. Turning on Visa Purchase Alerts through Maine Savings Digital Banking lets you see charges as they happen, so anything unfamiliar stands out quickly.
If you think you’ve shopped on a fake site, contact us right away so we can help protect your card and your accounts. Reach our Member Service Center at 207.862.6500 or toll-free at 800.273.6700, or stop by any branch. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Shopping online should feel easy, not risky. With a few extra seconds of attention, you can enjoy the season and keep your money right where it belongs.
Authored by the Maine Savings Fraud Prevention Team
Checks feel old fashioned, but they’re still one of the easiest payment methods for scammers to exploit. A check can be stolen out of a mailbox, altered in transit, or copied and cashed by someone who was never supposed to see it. The tricky part is that check fraud rarely announces itself. It shows up quietly, days or even weeks later, as a number that doesn’t match what you wrote or a payment you don’t remember making.
The good news is that a little routine goes a long way. Here’s what to watch for and how to find your way back to a secure account quickly if something looks off.
A payment you sent hasn’t cleared. If you mailed a check and it hasn’t processed in the usual window, don’t assume it’s fine. It might just be sitting in a slow mail pile, but it could also mean the check was intercepted. A quick call or message to the person or business you paid will tell you which one it is.
The amount on your statement doesn’t match what you wrote. This is one of the clearest red flags out there. Criminals sometimes use a method called check washing, where they lift your signature and rewrite the amount or payee. Pull up the cleared check image through Digital Banking and compare it against your own records. If the numbers don’t line up, that’s your cue to act.
A name you don’t recognize shows up as a payee. If your account shows a check written to someone you’ve never heard of, treat it as fraud until proven otherwise.
Checks or mail have gone missing. An empty spot in your checkbook or a mail delivery that never arrived are both signals that someone may have gotten hold of your blank checks. Lock down what’s left and report it.
Small, strange transactions appear out of nowhere. Fraud doesn’t always look like a check. Sometimes it starts as a tiny test withdrawal or a failed payment attempt, someone checking whether your account information works before they try something bigger.
You don’t need a complicated system, just a few minutes a week.
Turn on account alerts. Most people can set up notifications for withdrawals, deposits, low balances, and large transactions right from Digital Banking. If mobile banking isn’t your thing, ask us about phone, text, or email alerts instead.
Give your account a quick look every week. Scan for anything unfamiliar: a payment you don’t recognize, a check that cleared for the wrong amount, or a transaction that should have shown up by now and didn’t.
Check your cleared check images occasionally. Confirm the payee, the amount, and your signature all match what you actually wrote.
Keep a simple log of checks you send. A notebook, a spreadsheet, or even a note on your phone works. Jot down the date, the amount, and who it’s going to, so you have something to compare against later.
Slow down on checks you weren’t expecting. An unexpected check tied to a prize, a job offer, or a payment request is a classic setup for a scam. Ask questions before you deposit anything that caught you by surprise.
Reach out to us right away. The sooner we know, the more options we have, whether that’s flagging the transaction, placing a stop payment, or opening an investigation.
Gather what you can. Check numbers, statements, and any related emails or texts will help us move faster on your behalf.
Keep watching your account. Fraud sometimes comes in waves rather than a single hit, so don’t stop paying attention once you’ve reported the first issue.
Consider tightening security. Depending on what happened, that might mean updating your login credentials, adding extra protections, or in some cases opening a new account.
Check fraud is stressful, but catching it early puts you back in control. Review your account regularly, pay attention when something feels off, and don’t hesitate to call us the moment you notice a discrepancy. It’s a small routine that can save you a real headache.
If you’d like help setting up account alerts or want to walk through your Digital Banking settings together, stop by a branch or give us a call. We’re here to help you find your way to a more secure account, one good habit at a time.
Source: Adapted from information provided by America Saves, a campaign of the Consumer Federation of America, in partnership with the American Association of Credit Union Leagues, America’s Credit Unions, and TruStage.
At Maine Savings, your financial well-being is our top priority. As part of our commitment to going Beyond Banking, we want to make sure you have the information you need to stay safe, especially as fraud attempts continue to evolve.
Recently, there has been an increase in fraudulent text messages targeting credit union members. These messages may appear to come from Maine Savings, but they are not legitimate. Understanding how these scams work and how to spot them can help you protect yourself and your accounts.
What’s Happening?
Fraudsters are sending text messages that look like debit card fraud alerts. These texts may ask you to confirm whether a transaction is legitimate. If you respond, you may receive a follow-up phone call from someone pretending to be a Maine Savings employee.
During that call, the scammer may ask for sensitive information such as:
With this information, fraudsters can add your card to a digital wallet, attempt unauthorized withdrawals, and potentially wreak all sorts of havoc.
How to Tell What’s Real
While these messages may look convincing, there are important differences to watch for:
If something feels off, trust your instincts. It is always okay to pause and verify, and call Maine Savings on a number you know to be accurate.
How to Protect Yourself
Staying safe starts with a few simple steps:
If You’ve Been Contacted
If you receive a suspicious message or believe you may have shared information:
We’re Here for You
Fraud attempts can be unsettling, but you are not alone. Our team is continuously monitoring trends and taking proactive steps to protect our members.
At Maine Savings, we go Beyond Banking by providing the tools, education, and support you need to navigate your financial journey with confidence.
If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out. We are here to help, every step of the way.
If you’ve ever searched online for something like “change of address USPS” or “renew passport,” you’re not alone. These are common, everyday tasks—and they should be simple to complete.
But many people are surprised to find that the first results they see aren’t always the official websites. Instead, they’re often ads for third-party services that charge fees for things you can usually do yourself, quickly and at little to no cost.
At Maine Savings, we regularly hear from members who have paid for these services, thinking they were on an official site. Let’s take a closer look at how this happens—and how you can avoid it.
Why This Happens
Search engines like Google and Bing often display paid advertisements at the top of search results. These ads are clearly labeled as “Sponsored,” but they can still look very similar to the results you’re actually trying to find.
While these third-party websites may offer legitimate services, they often:
Changing Your Address with USPS
When updating your address, always go directly to the official United States Postal Service website.
Unlike most government agencies, USPS uses usps.com as its official website—not a “.gov” address. Because of this, it’s especially important to double-check that you’re on the correct site.
Look for:
Third-party sites may look similar but often charge higher fees for services you can complete directly through USPS for a minimal cost.
Renewing a Passport
Passport services should always be completed through the U.S. Department of State.
Official passport information and forms are available on websites ending in “.gov,” such as travel.state.gov. Third-party services may charge additional processing or “expediting” fees that aren’t required for standard applications.
A few simple habits can help you avoid unnecessary fees and confusion:
What to Do If You’ve Already Paid
If you believe you’ve used a third-party service unintentionally:
At Maine Savings, we’re here to help you navigate situations like these and support your financial well-being.
A Better Way Forward
The internet makes everyday tasks more convenient—but it also requires a bit of extra awareness. Taking a moment to confirm you’re on the right website can help you avoid unnecessary costs and frustration.
If you ever have questions about a charge or something doesn’t seem right, we’re here to help.
Beyond Banking means looking out for more than just your accounts—it means helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Fraudsters are constantly changing how they try to reach people, and one of the most common tactics we’re seeing right now is call spoofing. At Maine Savings, protecting your financial well-being is a top priority, and staying informed is one of the best ways to stay safe.
What is call spoofing?
Call spoofing happens when scammers manipulate caller ID information so it looks like a call is coming from a trusted organization, such as Maine Savings or another familiar, legitimate-seeming business or agency. The phone number may appear real or recognizable, but the call itself is not.
Recently, we’ve seen an increase in calls where scammers claim to be from a “Fraud Unit” or “Fraud Team,” sometimes even using Maine Savings’ name or phone number. These calls may sound urgent and convincing, but they are not legitimate.
What scammers may ask for
Scammers often try to create pressure so you’ll act quickly. They may say there is suspicious activity on your account and then ask for sensitive information, including:
• Digital banking usernames or passwords
• One-time security or verification codes sent to your phone or email
• Debit or credit card numbers
• Personal identifying information
Maine Savings will never ask for your digital banking credentials or verification codes over the phone. If someone gains access to this information, they essentially have the keys to your accounts and connected services.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call
If you receive a call that is unexpected, unusual, or feels off:
• Do not provide any information
• Hang up the call
• Contact Maine Savings directly using the phone number listed on our website
Calling back using a trusted, verified number is one of the safest ways to confirm whether a call is legitimate.
A reminder during tax season
During tax season, scammers often pose as well-known tax preparation services, payment processors, or other trusted businesses, claiming there is an issue that needs immediate attention. These callers may request personal or financial information, but legitimate organizations will not reach out unexpectedly to ask for sensitive details.
Any call that pressures you to act quickly or share information should be treated with caution.
Why spoofing is difficult to stop
Call spoofing is a widespread issue across the financial industry, and unfortunately it’s something no individual credit union or bank can fully control. That’s why awareness is so important. Knowing what these scams look and sound like can help you avoid becoming a target.
We’re here to help
If you ever have questions about a call, message, or alert you receive, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is always happy to help you confirm whether a communication is truly from Maine Savings.
At Maine Savings, we go beyond banking by empowering our members with knowledge, guidance, and support. Staying alert and informed is one more way we can work together to protect your financial well-being.
Please be advised that you will no longer be subject to, or under the protection of, the privacy and security policies of the Maine Savings website. We encourage you to read the privacy and security policies of the site you are entering, which may be different than those of Maine Savings.