The holiday season brings increased scam activity. Here are a few practical ways to protect yourself:
Online Shopping & Deals
- Shop only on secure websites (look for "https://" and a lock icon)
- Avoid clicking links in emails or texts—go directly to official websites instead
- Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true
- Use credit cards rather than debit cards for online purchases (better fraud protection)
- Check seller ratings and reviews before buying from unfamiliar retailers
Payment Safety
- Never wire money or use gift cards for payments (they're nearly impossible to reverse)
- Avoid payment methods like cryptocurrency or money transfer apps
- Don't share credit card or personal information via email, text, or unsolicited phone calls
- Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized charges
Social Media & Apps
- Be cautious of holiday promotions on social media—scammers create fake ads
- Download apps only from official app stores
- Don't accept friend requests from people claiming to be celebrities or companies offering giveaways
Charity Giving
- Verify charities through sites like CharityNavigator.org or GuideStar before donating
- Donate directly to charity websites, not through links in emails
- Be wary of pressure to donate immediately or in a specific way
Gift Cards & Codes
- Buy gift cards directly from retailers, not resellers
- Check for scratches or tampering before purchasing
- Don't share gift card codes over email or text
Phone & Email Safety
- Don't answer calls from unknown numbers asking for personal information
- Legitimate companies won't request passwords or financial details by email
- Report suspicious emails as phishing to your email provider
Red Flags to Watch
- Urgent requests for payment or personal information
- Poor spelling and grammar in emails
- Requests to verify account information
- Unsolicited offers or unexpected prizes
Stay vigilant and verify before you trust!
If you think your are the victim of a scam or fruad, give us a call. We will be glad to help you. 580-782-2266 x1
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Debbie Roebuck
Director - Howard KS Housing Authority
I just wanted to let you know that I have had nothing but awesome work done from Marcus, he has so totally helped me out a great deal. Every time that I have a issue he is on it. I am so thankful to have him as my IT Guy to go to. He's awesome. You have a terrific employee.
Thank you so much
Edna
Roby TX Housing Authority
Ultimate It Guys has been the Cameron Housing Authority’s IT company since 2017. I couldn’t ask for a better one. The staff is quick to help & very professional. They will work with you until your problem has been solved. We will definitely use them in the future.
Julie Ausmus
Executive Director
Cameron MO Housing Authority
The Nevada Housing Authority has been doing business with Ultimate IT Guys since June 2016. Prior to that time, we struggled with good tech support and did not have anyone in house capable of taking on that responsibility. We have had a very positive experience with Ultimate IT Guys and their tech support staff.
They make themselves available anytime for the support and training needed and keep us with the most recent updates. I have enjoyed the webinars and now have access for myself and the staff to those webinars that we miss. The value for the service provided by Ultimate IT Guys is worth a look at for your agency. You will find them customer service driven, have the ability to problem solve and easy to communicate with.
Carol Branham Executive Director
Housing Authority of the City of Nevada MO
Just sending a "thank you" for the webinar last Thursday..lots of useful information about passwords that I needed and I appreciate it very much!
Sharon Wright
Executive Director
Avinger TX Housing Authority
Hi I am Joan Wright, I am the Executive Director at McGregor Housing Authority. I have been with Ultimate IT Guys since 2017.
We are from a small community and we just don’t have much for computer support in this area. I met him at Texas Housing Association and he has done a wonderful job for us. His service is 24/7, all I have to do is pick up a phone and call him. One of his support staff is always happy to work with us. I have all my faith in Ultimate IT Guys they do a wonderful job.
Joan Wright
Executive Director
McGregor Housing Authority
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Mike Chapman
Executive Director
Lubbock TX Housing Authority
Ultimate IT Guys have truly been a big help to Trinidad Housing Authority for the past 5 years. From keeping our computer systems up to date and virus free, to their excellent customer service. When we have an issue with our computer software or hardware, there is never a wait and they are always there to help, and at very reasonable prices.
Teresa Crawford
Trinidad Housing Authority
Trinidad Texas
I highly recommend the Ultimate IT Guys to anyone who needs IT support services. They have consistently given us excellent service at a reasonable price.
They know the needs of PHA’s, and are particularly well suited to filling the IT needs of housing authorities who are not large enough to have their own in-house staff. They can do virtually all the work they need to do remotely, so there is no waiting for an IT tech to show up. Our experience with The Ultimate IT Guys has all been positive, they have been a pleasure to do business with!
Don Eaves
Executive Director
Overton Texas Housing Authority