Keep the Holiday Season Bright and the Scammers Out

Date: October 1, 2026
Category: Fraud Education

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, generosity, and connection. Unfortunately, it is also peak season for fraud. As schedules fill up and online activity spikes, cybercriminals take advantage of the rush, deploying sophisticated tricks designed to catch us when our guard is down.

At Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®), we believe that protecting your financial well-being starts with awareness. When you know what red flags to look for, you can spot scams from a mile away and keep your focus where it belongs: on celebrating with the people you care about.

Here is your guide to unwrapping the latest holiday scams and keeping control of your money.

The "Urgent Account Issue" Spoof

One of the most distressing scams involves fraudsters impersonating trusted institutions—including your credit union, public utilities, major retailers or delivery companies, and more.

  • The Setup: You receive a phone call, text, or email stating that an urgent, unauthorized charge was made on your account, or that your credit card has been suspended. To "fix" the issue, the caller or message demands that you immediately verify your full card number, online banking password, or a One-Time Passcode (OTP) sent to your phone.

Important: Scammers often use caller-ID spoofing technology so your phone screen actually displays "Wright-Patt Credit Union" or another recognizable name. They may even use AI voice tools to sound even more polished and professional.

  • The Red Flag: WPCU will not call, text, or email you out of the blue asking for your online banking password, account PIN, or a One-Time Passcode. Those verification codes are strictly for your eyes to log in securely—never share them with anyone, even if they claim to be working for us.
  • What to Do: Hang up immediately. Open your WPCU Mobile App to check your balance and recent transactions, or call us directly using the number printed on the back of your card or on WPCU.coop.

Fake Non-Profit and Charity Fraud

The holidays bring out the best in our communities, with many people looking for ways to give back. Fraudsters exploit this generosity by creating convincing fake charities or setting up imposter crowdfunding pages for fictitious families in need.

  • The Red Flag: Be cautious of high-pressure tactics, organizations that insist on donations made strictly via cash, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, or links sent via unsolicited emails and social media messages.
  • What to Do: Donate through established, verified organizations. You can research non-profits on trusted rating platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance before giving.

Social Media Shopping Traps and Gift Card Demands

Shopping on social media platforms is quick and easy, but it is also a hotspot for fraudulent sellers.

  • The Red Flag: You find a targeted ad for an incredible gift at a rock-bottom price. After clicking, you are directed to a clean-looking storefront. However, at checkout, the site asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer payment apps, or it charges your card and sends nothing in return.
  • What to Do: Never use gift cards or peer-to-peer apps to purchase goods from an unfamiliar online seller. If a merchant refuses standard credit card processing, it is a major warning sign.

Always Remember to Pause Before You Proceed

Between crowded store aisles, “act-now” online sales, and the endless notifications crowding your phone, the holidays can feel like a blur. Scammers rely on that exact holiday chaos to make their tricks work. They want you to react emotionally—out of panic over a locked account or excitement over a flash sale—before you have time to think critically.

Whenever a message, call, or online offer demands immediate action involving your money or sensitive information, take control by pausing before doing anything: 

  1. Stop: Hang up. Do NOT click any links, send money, or give out personal info.
  1. Check: Verify the source independently using a trusted website or official phone number you know is real.

At WPCU, we’re committed to helping you keep your hard-earned money safe during the holiday season—and every season. If you ever feel uncertain about a transaction, encounter a potential scam, or need help reviewing your account, we are always right here for you. 

For more timely fraud alerts, helpful guidance, and practical tips, visit our fraud resource page at WPCU.coop/StopFraud.