Avoiding travel scams
Americans may be on the go more than ever this holiday season. One study shows that 50% of Americans plan to travel more than they did in 2023. Another study showed that half of Americans expect to spend an average of about $3,600 traveling. Before you take off, be aware of these travel-related scams.
It’s “free” except you have to pay for it
See an online ad or email about a free vacation at five-star location? To receive it, all you need is to pay a service charge or buy a travel club membership. These are scams. According to the US Postal Inspector, most people who respond never receive anything for their money.
Listing looks legit, but website or listing service looks odd
Scammers steal legitimate rental listings and photos, then offer the scam listing at a great price on some website. Once you pay, you’ll never see your money or that rental property because it wasn’t theirs to list. Protect yourself by booking only on legitimate rental sites.
You must pay by wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency
When paying for tickets, tours, or lodging, assume that anyone who’s demanding payment by wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards is scamming you. Always use a credit card as it might provide recourse if you are scammed.
It’s a private charter, but not on USDOT approved list
When researching flights, you may see ads for private plane charters. Scammers even show images of the aircraft and their registrations. The US Department of Transportation maintains a list of approved public charter flights. If the flight you’re considering isn’t on the list, it’s probably a scam.
Learn more about travel scams from the Federal Trade Commission.
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We’re honored to be honored
For the third year in a row, we’ve been named a Best Credit Union in America to Work For. In fact, we’re in the Top 35 for the entire nation — one of only two California credit unions with that highest ranking!
North Bay CU CEO Chris Call says he is proud of this American Banker award for recognizing the credit union's focus on member service, combined with ensuring their fantastic team is taken care of and appreciated.
"I know first-hand that when you make sure employees can achieve a good work-life balance, everyone wins," Call said.
Founded in 1948 and with a 5-star Bauer Financial rating, North Bay Credit Union is also proud of its diversity and work opportunities:
- 70% of North Bay CU staff is female
- 38% of staff are from minority groups
- 40% of employees have been promoted or moved laterally from original role
Earlier this summer, thousands of NorthBay biz magazine readers voted and we took home the Gold Medal ? in the Best Credit Union category for the second time! Thank you to everyone who voted for us.
Meet Grupo Folklórico Quetzalen
Grupo Folklórico Quetzalen of Sonoma Valley was founded in May of 2008. Currently under the direction of Victor Ferrer, Quetzalén started as a senior project at Sonoma Valley High School and later became the community’s first Mexican folk ensemble. In 2014, Sonoma Valley's City Council proclaimed Quetzalen Sonoma's official ballet folklorico.
Their mission is to educate, preserve and promote the splendor of Mexico's traditional dances, music and colorful costumes. Part of their commitment is to conduct outreach programs for the youth in our community to instill pride of their cultural heritage. They promote cultural education to diverse communities in Sonoma County.
Celebrating 16 years
Part of what makes Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén unique is their focus on offering of culturally-enriching programs to engage and educate. They focus on after-school classes, workshops and performances for local schools, educational programs and non-profit organizations year-round
The meaning of the word Quetzalen comes from the “quetzal”, a bird that mayan and aztec cultures described as a symbol of “luminescence and life”. The founders agreed the uniqueness of the Quetzal, its ancestral meaning, and its wide range of colorful feathering represent the essence of their folklore.
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