The holiday season has arrived in West Michigan—storefronts are decorating, families are gathering plans, and communities from Lowell to Greenville are beginning to glow with lights and anticipation. It’s a special time of year, and at River Valley, we believe the season should feel safe, joyful, and grounded in the values we share as neighbors. That’s what “River Valley First” means to us—putting our members, our community, and your peace of mind at the center of everything we do.
Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when scammers become more active.
Every November and December, members reach out after receiving strange texts, unexpected charges, or holiday deals online that didn’t seem quite right. We want you to enjoy the season without that extra worry. Here are some common scams we’re seeing and simple ways to protect yourself.
🎄 1. Fake “Package Delivery” Texts
With holiday shopping underway, many of us expect packages to arrive regularly. Scammers use this to send texts claiming a delivery issue.
Red flags:
- Unfamiliar links
- Messages with a sense of urgency
- Odd wording or formatting
How to stay safe:
- Avoid clicking any unexpected links.
- Check tracking on the retailer or carrier’s official website.
- When uncertain, it’s safest to delete the message.
💻 2. Online Shopping Deals That Aren’t Real
This time of year is filled with promotions—but scammers create fake websites and ads offering unbelievable prices on popular gifts.
Be cautious of:
- Prices far below market value
- No visible reviews
- Payment methods that can’t be reversed (gift cards, certain apps)
If a deal feels too perfect, your instincts are likely right.
🎅 3. Gift Exchange Schemes
Social media often brings back “Secret Santa” or “send one gift, get several back” promotions. While they seem festive, they’re actually pyramid schemes.
This season, if you’re looking for ways to spread cheer, we’re excited to share that all three River Valley Credit Union branches have Toys for Tots donation boxes. It’s a simple, meaningful way to brighten a child’s holiday—right here in our own community. That’s River Valley First in action.
📞 4. Calls Pretending to Be Your Financial Institution
Some scammers call pretending to be “your credit union,” claiming there’s a problem with your card or account. They may ask for login details, card numbers, or verification codes.
A reminder:
River Valley Credit Union will never call you asking for sensitive personal information.
If a call feels wrong, hang up and contact us directly. We’re here to help and always happy to talk through anything suspicious.
⚠️ 5. Fake Charity Appeals
Holiday giving brings out the best in people—but also the worst in scammers. Some create convincing but fake charity pages or emotional donation messages.
Before contributing:
- Double-check the organization
- Give through official websites
- Be wary of high-pressure tactics
If you want to support local families, we can point you to trusted community partners and holiday programs that truly make a difference.
💙 We’re Here for You—Today and All Season Long
At River Valley, putting members first means being here when something seems off—whether it’s a strange text, a questionable charge, or a call that doesn’t feel right. If anything raises a concern, please reach out. No question is too small.
Wishing you a warm, joyful, and scam-free holiday season,
Your friends at River Valley Credit Union