The holidays are one of the most wonderful times of the year—full of generosity, family and festive activities. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the busiest seasons for scams and identity theft. Fraudsters know that people are shopping more, giving more and maybe a bit too preoccupied to spot warning signs. We want to help you protect yourself (and your wallet) so fraud fear doesn’t steal your holiday cheer. Below, you’ll find common holiday scams and details on how to protect yourself.
1. Gift Card Requests
Payments via gift cards are nearly impossible to trace or recover, which means scammers love using them to take your money. No real company will ever ask you to pay with gift cards.
Warning Signs:
Anyone asks you to buy a gift card and share the numbers.
The request comes from someone claiming to be a boss, family member or government agency.
Messages create a sense of urgency (“Do this now or else!”).
Protect Yourself:
Only use gift cards for gifts or legitimate purchases—not to pay someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Be wary of anyone pressuring you to act immediately. Scammers often try to rush you into a mistake.
2. Online Shopping Tricks
Holiday shopping often means more time online, and scammers take advantage with fake websites and social media ads.
Warning Signs:
Deals that seem too good to be true.
Websites or ads with unusual spellings, extra words or strange URLs.
Requests for payment through unconventional methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
Protect Yourself:
Stick to retailers you know and trust.
Before buying, look up the company and check reviews.
Do not use public Wi-Fi. Instead, connect to a secure Wi-Fi network or VPN.
3. Phony Shipping Alerts
Fake package tracking notifications are used to trick you into clicking malicious links.
Warning Signs:
Unexpected messages about packages you didn’t order.
Unsolicited requests to click a link, download an attachment or provide personal details.
Poor grammar, spelling mistakes or unusual sender addresses.
Protect Yourself:
Track packages directly through the delivery company’s official app or website.
Ignore links or attachments in suspicious messages.
4. Fake Charities
Scammers often pose as legitimate charities or create fraudulent organizations to tug at your heartstrings during the season of giving.
Warning Signs:
The charity is unfamiliar or has a name similar to a well-known organization.
Donation messages come through unsolicited emails, texts or social media.
Urgent donation requests that pressure you to give immediately.
Protect Yourself:
Verify the charity through trusted sources like the IRS website (opens in a new tab) or Charity Navigator (opens in a new tab).
Donate only through official websites or trusted platforms.
Contact the charity directly if you’re unsure about a request.
General Holiday Safety Tips
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, pause and double-check before acting.
Monitor accounts: Review statements regularly for unfamiliar charges. Report anything suspicious immediately.
Protect personal information: Share only what’s necessary—never passwords or Social Security numbers.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication, if available: Extra layers of security make it harder for fraudsters to access your accounts.
Stay informed: Visit trusted sources like the Federal Trade Commission (opens in a new tab) (FTC) for scam alerts and updates.
Add an Extra Layer of Protection with 1st Defense™ Checking
Your security matters every day of the year—not just during the holidays. With 1st Defense™ checking1, you’ll get all the features of a standard checking account plus built-in protection to help keep your personal information safe for just $6.95 per month.
Here’s what’s included:
Dark web monitoring*: Get alerts if your personal data appears on the dark web.
Credit file monitoring*: Receive daily notifications about any changes to your credit.
Cyber recover services: Access 24/7 support from cyber experts to help you navigate and mitigate online threats.
Identity theft expense reimbursement2: Get up to $25,000 to help cover expenses with restoring your identity.
Identity theft resolution: Work with fraud specialists to investigate suspicious activity and restore your identity.
Enjoy the Season Safely and Securely
The holidays should be about connection, not concern. With a few smart habits and the protection of 1st Defense™ checking you can shop and celebrate securely. The best gift you can give yourself is peace of mind that lasts all year.
*Registration/activation required.
1Eligibility: Benefits are available to personal checking account owner(s) and their joint account owners subject to the terms and conditions for the applicable Benefits. Some Benefits require authentication, registration and/or activation. Benefits are not available to a “signer” on the account who is not an account owner or to businesses, clubs, trusts, organizations and/or churches and their members, or schools and their employees/students.
2Special Program Notes: The descriptions herein are summaries only and do not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the Benefits described. Please refer to the actual Guide to Benefit and/or insurance documents for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Coverage is provided through the company named in the Guide to Benefit or on the certificate of insurance. Insurance Products are not insured by the NCUA or any federal government agency; they are not a deposit of or guaranteed by the credit union or any credit union affiliate.
