Holiday Shopping Scams to Watch Out For - Stay Safe While You Shop

The holiday shopping rush brings great deals, convenience, and unfortunately, a spike in fraud attempts. Cybercriminals know this is the busiest time of year for online purchases, travel bookings, and digital gift-giving, and they use the season to target unsuspecting shoppers. We want you to enjoy a safe and secure holiday, so we’ve outlined the latest scams and how you can protect yourself.

1. Fake Shipping Notifications & Delivery Scams

Expecting packages is part of holiday shopping, and scammers take advantage by sending:

• Fake “delivery attempt” texts
• Bogus tracking links
• Impostor messages claiming to be from USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Amazon

These messages often lead to fake sites asking for personal info or payment to “release” your package.

Protect yourself:
Avoid clicking unexpected tracking links. Visit the carrier’s official website or track packages directly through the retailer where you made the purchase.

2. Phony Holiday Sales & Shopping Websites

Fraudsters create professional-looking websites or social media ads offering:

• Luxury items at unusually low prices
• Limited-time deals that seem urgent
• “Last day” discounts that reappear repeatedly

After checkout, the item never arrives—or what shows up is poor-quality or counterfeit.

Protect yourself:
Stick to well-known retailers or verify unfamiliar sites by checking reviews, return policies, and secure payment options.

3. Gift Card Scams

Scammers often pressure shoppers to buy gift cards as a form of payment, claiming:

• A family member is in trouble and needs immediate assistance
• You’ve won a prize but must pay fees upfront
• A bill or account issue requires immediate action

Important: No legitimate organization will ever ask you to resolve a problem using gift cards.

4. Charity Fraud During the Season of Giving

The holidays inspire generosity, and scammers exploit this with fake:

• Donation websites
• Social media fundraisers
• Phone or text-based charity appeals

Protect yourself:
Verify charities through trusted sources and avoid donating through links sent unexpectedly.

5. Account Takeover Attempts

Cybercriminals may try to access online banking or shopping accounts by:

• Sending fake login alerts
• Spoofing financial institutions
• Requesting one-time verification codes

Reminder: NGFCU will never ask for your online banking password or verification codes.

6. Holiday Travel Scams

Fake travel deals, fraudulent vacation rentals, and phishing emails disguised as booking confirmations are trending this season.

Tip: Always book through reputable travel sites and avoid wiring money or paying through untraceable methods.

How to Protect Your Finances This Holiday Season

• Use strong, unique passwords for shopping and financial accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever available.
• Monitor your debit and credit accounts for unusual activity.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for purchases or banking.
• Be cautious of deals or messages that create pressure or urgency.

We’re Here to Help

If you receive a suspicious message, notice unusual account activity, or simply have questions about staying secure, contact us anytime. We’re committed to protecting your financial well-being—during the holiday season and all year long.

Stay safe, shop smart, and enjoy a secure holiday season.