What You Need to Know About Gift Card Scams

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Picture this – you get an email from your boss asking you to purchase gift cards for a client. While it seems out of the norm for your boss to ask this, you’re willing to help out with whatever is needed. Right before making the purchase, you notice the email is from an address you don’t recognize and is not actually from your boss.

Does this sound familiar to you? This is what we call a gift card scam, which is more common than you may think. One in three adults have been targeted by these types of scams, but there are plenty of ways to spot and prevent them from happening to you.

What is a gift card scam?

Think about it this way – gift cards are meant for gifts, not to make payments. However, scammers tend to use gift cards because they’re easy for people to buy and are similar to cash – since the money is gone once the gift card is purchased.

Gift card scams can look different depending on the situation, but usually follows a similar pattern. You’ll receive a call or email asking that you pay with gift cards, and once they have your gift card number and PIN – they have your money. Scammers can be convincing by making it seem like they need the card urgently, which is how so many people fall into these unfortunate types of scams.

How do you know if it’s a scam?

If you’re being asked to pay someone through a gift card, it’s safe to say it’s a scam. That may sound simple, but scammers can be convincing by pretending to be someone you can trust. This is how they trick so many people.

Here are some common situations for gift card scams:

  • The caller says they’re from your power company and threatens to cut off your service until you pay them (with a gift card).
  • An employer says they are ready to hire you but need you to pay for your computer or other equipment through a gift card before you start.
  • Someone says you’ve won a contest, but you’ll have to pay fees with a gift card before you can claim your prize.
  • The scammer pretends to be a friend or family member saying they need money immediately for an emergency to be put on a gift card, but tells you not to tell anyone.
  • You receive a call from the IRS or Social Security Administration saying you need to pay taxes or a fine immediately, via gift card only.
  • You meet someone on a dating app who needs money and asks you for help.
  • The person asking for you to make a payment through a gift card asks for you to purchase it through specific retailers like Amazon, Target, or Walmart. They may also ask you to purchase a certain gift card such as eBay, Google Play or iTunes.

These are just a few of the many ways scammers can try to convince you to give them your money. If anything seems out of the blue or suspicious, it’s probably a scam!

What to do if you’re being scammed

Do not respond to anything you think could be a scam, even if you’re unsure. If you already paid a scammer with a gift card, tell the merchant that issued you the card right away. Check the retailer’s website for resources on reporting scams as well. If the card issuer is hard to reach or is unable to help, report it to the FTC. Even if you didn’t actually pay the scammer, it’s a good idea to report it anyway to prevent this type of scam from happening to anyone else.

At First Financial, we are here to help protect our members from scams and identity theft. If you have any concerns or questions about any of your First Financial accounts, please call member services at 732.312.1500 or visit one of our branches.

Financial Tips for Teenagers

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Imagine having to take a surprise quiz after not reading the assignment. Pretty stressful, right? Now imagine having to maintain a good credit score without having any knowledge of how credit even works. Your understanding of finances plays a big role in your spending habits as an adult. That’s why learning money management skills in your teens is so important.

No need to sweat it! Here are 5 easy tips to help you navigate your finances while you’re still in school.

Start saving money

Just like shutting off the lights when you leave the room, saving money can become a useful habit that you don’t even have to think twice about. If you start learning how to save money now, that habit will stick with you in the long run. Whether you’re getting paid for a job, received a check on your birthday, or have an allowance – you should always save a portion of what you earn. The fewer expenses you have, the more you should save. Starting with saving half of whatever funds you have coming in would be ideal, and then you can adjust as you get older and your expenses grow.

Establish a credit history

Talk to your parents about starting your credit history before you leave home, and perhaps they can add you as an authorized user to one of their credit cards. This process will open a credit file in your name to help you build credit.

In the meantime, learn how to manage credit card usage and avoid debt. Take time to understand what a credit score means and how it can affect you in the future. And don’t forget to always pay your bills on time (that impacts your credit in a big way!).

Track how you spend

Take a minute to think about things you’ve spent money on this week. Did you get coffee or takeout more than you’d like to admit? This is where tracking your spending habits comes in handy. If you know where you spend most of your money outside of necessary expenses, you can find alternatives and work on changing your habits. Instead of getting an iced coffee every morning, instead get yourself a to-go mug and serve up some iced coffee at home.

Use your student ID

One of the best perks of being a student are all the deals you receive. Having a student ID can get you access to big savings on Amazon Prime, concert tickets, events, groceries, movies, travel, subscriptions, electronics, and more. Just ask if there’s a student discount!

Learn to earn money

It’s always a good idea to start earning money as soon as you can. Even if it’s babysitting once a week, starting to make money now will help you grow your independence and freedom. Want to go on a trip with your friends this summer? Find a job you can work after school or over summer break, and start saving what you earn in advance of the trip.

Talking finances may feel overwhelming at first, but there are always resources available to help. If you want to begin your financial journey and start your credit off strong, our financial experts are here to help. Contact us to get started or stop into your local branch to speak with a representative today!

Money Saving Tips for Buying a Car

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If you’re thinking about buying a new car and don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Purchasing a new vehicle is one of the bigger purchases you’ll make in life, so there’s quite a bit to consider. From leasing a brand-new vehicle to buying used, there are so many options out there that fit all different types of budgets.

Between higher prices and lower product availability, the car market itself is more challenging to navigate these days. According to the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, most dealers only have 10% to 15% of their total inventory. This is why planning ahead is a key way to get the vehicle you’re looking for at a realistic price.

Here are our top tips for making car shopping more affordable.

Build up your savings

If you don’t already have a savings account dedicated to big purchases like a new vehicle, now’s the time to start! Having money in the bank to buy a car minimizes the amount you have to borrow, which can potentially save you thousands in interest down the line. Make it easier on yourself by setting up automatic deposits into your savings, so you don’t even have to think about it.

If you want to open a savings account for your next car purchase, we’re here to help!* Contact us or stop by your local branch to speak with a representative.

Figure out your down payment

Based on your current income and expenses, you’ll want to calculate the target amount to spend on a down payment and make sure it’s realistic for you. Ideally, you should be putting 20% down on a new vehicle and 10% down on a used vehicle. The more money you put down, the better deal you’ll get. It will not only help you qualify for a loan, but it will also make for a more affordable monthly payment.

Check out our handy auto and loan payment calculators on our website, to help provide you with realistic numbers.

Research and compare prices

Before you head to a dealership, you’ll want to do some research on your own. The more you know about the market value of the vehicle you want, the better deal you’ll get. The best way to do this is to identify the type of car you’re looking for and research the Kelley Blue Book price for each make and model.

Did you know we partner with local dealers to get our members a great rate on their next car? If you finance with us and purchase a vehicle from one of our preferred auto dealers, a great offer will be waiting for you!

Sell or trade your current vehicle

If you’re replacing your current car, you can sell it or trade it in at the dealership. The money you’ve made can be put toward your next car’s down payment. We recommend using appraisal tools to help estimate your car’s value so you know how much you should receive for the vehicle.

Always negotiate

Negotiating is common when making a big purchase like a vehicle. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price of the car, especially if you’ve found it at a lower price elsewhere or there are minor flaws.

Consider your loan options

At First Financial, we offer personalized auto loans for new or used vehicles with low rates and same day approval decisions.** If you think you’ve spent too much at the dealership, you can also check out our auto loan refinance options or fill out our quick online form to see if we can help you save some money on your monthly payments. Contact us to get started, or stop by your local branch to speak with a representative today!

*A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership before opening any other account/loan. All personal memberships are part of the Rewards First program and a $5 per month non-participation fee is charged to the base savings account for memberships not meeting the minimum requirements of the program. Click here to view full Rewards First program details. Some restrictions apply, contact the Credit Union for more information.

**APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. First Financial FCU maintains the right to not extend credit, after you respond, if we determine you do not meet our guidelines for creditworthiness. Current loans financed with First Financial FCU are not eligible for review or refinance. A First Financial membership is required to obtain an Auto Loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a Base Savings Account is required to establish membership prior to opening any other account/loan.

Financial Considerations When Selling a Home

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Are you considering selling your home? It’s certainly not a decision to be made lightly, especially after making such a large investment. Whether you’re downscaling, upsizing, moving to a new area, or are looking to make a profit – there are always financial considerations to be made when it comes to selling a home.

Here are some important financial factors that may determine when and if you’re ready to sell.

Your home’s worth

Before putting your house on the market, you’ll want to have an understanding of the value of your property. This can change over time, which is why the first step is to see how much your house is worth in the current housing market.

You can do this by researching real estate websites to find out how much similar homes in your area have sold for. A formal appraisal is another approach that can provide you with a more accurate number based on home sales in your community. Of course, a real estate agent can also assist in determining a listing price for your home.

How much it will cost

Finding out the value of your home is just the beginning of the selling process. Prepping your home to be sold is where things can get pricey. You’ll likely need to do a deep clean, paint, or even repair anything you’ve been waiting to fix. If you want a higher value on your home, you should plan for any home renovations ahead of time.

Outside of prepping costs, there are other fees associated with selling a home that you might not have thought of. A typical real estate agent, for example – will typically charge a commission fee of up to 6%. You should also expect to pay a closing cost of 1-3% of your house price, which includes the home inspection, appraisal, and insurance costs. Be sure to list these expected extra costs on a spreadsheet for reference as you begin the process.

The housing market

As a seller, you’ll want to evaluate the housing market to get a better idea of when is the right time to sell. Factors like interest rates on home loans can be a key indicator. Time of the year can also make an impact on if you’re able to sell and for how much. Depending on where you live, the market typically peaks in April through July with slower periods in the winter months due to the cold weather and holidays. Overall, timing definitely plays a role in how much you’re able to sell your house for.

Selling takes time, planning, and research. If done right, you’ll be able to successfully sell your home and even make a profit. Outside of finances, there will be other factors to evaluate and our financial experts are here to help. Contact us to get started, or stop into your local branch on one of our upcoming branch mortgage days to speak with a representative on-the-spot!

What New Credit Card Users Need to Know

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Have you thought about the age you can typically start building credit? While age 23 may be the minimum age requirement for opening a credit card, the idea of even having a credit card may be nerve wracking for some.

We’re here to tell you everything you need to know so you can build your credit with confidence. Here are some important tips to consider before applying for your first credit card.

Don’t just make minimum payments.

You might think covering the minimum payment each month is enough, but in reality – you’ll end up paying more in interest that way. Credit cards typically have a grace period from when your statement closes to when your bill is due. If you pay off your balance in full ahead of the due date, you won’t be charged any interest (this is the ideal scenario).

Say for example, you have a $5,000 balance on your credit card with a 15% interest rate. If you only pay the minimum payment, it could take you three years to pay the full balance with an extra whopping $1,500 in interest charges. Long story short, always try to pay your balance in full.

Always make your payments on time.

Another way you could end up paying more than anticipated on a credit card, is if you miss a payment or are past due. Even if you’re only a day late, your credit card company could charge you a late fee – which can also add up if you’re frequently late. We recommend setting up automatic payments to avoid any future late fees.

Only charge what you can afford.

If the goal is to pay off your credit card balance in full each month (which it should be!), it’s important to only charge what you can afford. Don’t get trapped in “I’ll pay it off later,” because that’s how many people get stuck with credit card debt that becomes out of control.

Instead of thinking of your credit card as “free money,” treat it like a debit card. Meaning, don’t put it on your credit card if you don’t have enough money in the bank for the purchase. This may seem obvious, but it’s also very tempting to just swipe away when you get your card.

Shop around for a credit card.

Not all credit cards are created equal. Some cards are meant for new users, while others are made for more seasoned credit cardholders. It’s always best to first shop around for a credit card that meets your needs and spending habits – before committing to one just because of the alluring benefits.

For example, a store credit card may save you $20 on your next purchase, but it also may typically have a higher interest rate. Plus, those exciting discounts are usually only available in that specific store – which is smart for the business, but likely not ideal for you.

At First Financial, we offer 4 consumer credit card options that each have benefits like a 10-day grace period and no annual fees.+ Our Visa First Step Card is a great card for building credit as a first time cardholder as well.*

Always review your credit card statements.

Every month you’ll receive a bill for your credit card with a list of purchases. You should always review your statement. Why? You can catch any fraudulent charges sooner and have a better grasp of your spending habits. Many card companies offer a detailed report of your spending categories which comes in handy when budgeting and cutting costs where you can. You can even save on paper by receiving your statements online instead of through the mail.

Are you about to begin your credit card journey and don’t know where to start? You can rest assured knowing our financial experts are happy to give you advice based on your situation. Contact us to get started, or stop by your local branch to speak with a representative today!

*APR varies up to 18% when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. These APRs are for purchases and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fees. Other fees that apply: Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees of 3% or $10, whichever is greater; Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See firstffcu.com for current rates.

+No late fee will be charged if payment is received within 10 days from the payment due date.

Inexpensive Year End Gifts for Teachers

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Being that First Financial began as a teachers’ credit union over 85 years ago, we’re privy to one of our largest membership groups and can’t forget our educational roots. Now that the school year is coming to a close and summer is almost here – we thought we’d provide our readers with a list of budget savvy gifts for teachers under $10 (approved by teachers everywhere!).

Gift cards for coffee or inexpensive food options. Think Starbucks, Wawa, Wendy’s, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, or Dunkin.’ $10 goes a long way at these locations too. See what’s local to the area your school is in, and choose the gift card location based on that.

Chocolate. Who doesn’t love chocolate? This one really doesn’t require an explanation, and will always go over well.

A nail kit. Put together a cute gift bag with a couple bottles of nail polish and an emery board. Your teacher will be able to show off great summer feet at the beach or pool this summer!

Ornaments. A personalized ornament or one unique to the student (homemade is always good too!) is a great gift. Every year at the holidays when your teacher is decorating their tree, they’ll be reminded of that special class or student.

Custom tote bag. Purchase a blank canvas tote. If your student is very young, have them (or their class) each place a painted handprint with their name under it in fabric marker. You can personalize this bag as much as you’d like, or include the teacher’s name on it too. Teachers always need tote bags, plus now that stores require reusable bags – it can even double as a grocery tote. Beach bags or a towel are another idea for this time of year as well, and can be used for the beach or pool!

Dog treats. Does your teacher have a pet? Buy a box of treats or find a Pinterest recipe to make your own. Put them in a plastic bag with a nice ribbon around it.

People treats. Homemade baked goods are usually always a hit. Think cookies, cupcakes, or muffins. If you have a different specialty like sauce, soup, or homemade salsa – this is another idea. Place the homemade food item in a decorated mason jar, and voila!

Emergency kit. You never know when your teacher might need one! Put together a little zippered bag or case with Advil, Tide to go, a bottle of water, a pack of gum, band aids, pocket tissues, a small packaged snack, and some chocolate.

Plants. Brighten your teacher’s day (and home for the summer) with a bouquet of flowers, bulbs that can be planted in the yard, or a decorative succulent. Your local Trader Joe’s store typically has beautiful plants and flowers for less!

School supplies. Did you know that many teachers buy their own classroom supplies from their pocket? Purchase some art supplies, teaching aids, or even a gift card to a store where your teacher can pick out their own classroom supplies.

Tea. Choose some different flavored tea bags, a bottle of honey, and some cute cocktail napkins and put them together nicely in a small tin or bucket.

Soap. Hit up your local Bath & Body Works and pick out some seasonally scented anti-bacterial hand soaps. Scented travel hand sanitizer always goes well in a post-Covid world too. Put the items together in a nice gift bag, and you certainly can’t go wrong!

Memory book. As a class gift, it might be a nice idea to put together a photo of each student on a different page, and have them write or tell you their favorite memory from the school year and something they learned.

A handwritten letter or note. This type of personalized gift is something a teacher can look back on and remember their individual students, what they taught them, and how many lives they truly touched.

Do you have another gift idea not mentioned here? Drop it in the comments!

Wishing all our educator members and students a wonderful and relaxing summer!

Article Source: The Penny Hoarder