Your Guide to Safe & Secure Holiday Shopping
The holiday season has arrived, which means it’s time to shop for gifts and more!
Whether you’re browsing the aisles of your favorite stores or hunting for deals online, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holidays and let down your guard. Scammers know this, and they’re working overtime to take advantage of distracted shoppers.
Holiday fraud is especially rampant online. In fact, the FTC found that online shopping scams were the second most common type of fraud reported in 2024.
So, how can you protect yourself while holiday shopping? We have a few tips and reminders to keep in mind this holiday season:
1. Stick to Trusted Retailers
Searching for the perfect gift at the perfect price? Watch out for phony websites that offer incredible deals or mimic real retailers. These fake websites are designed to steal your personal or financial information. In some cases, you may receive a counterfeit product — or nothing at all.
If you find a deal from a random email or social media ad that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with the online retailers you know and trust and type them directly into your search bar instead of clicking on links.
When in doubt, look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar, and make sure the URL starts with “https,” which indicates the site is secure.
2. Mind Your Method of Payment
When it comes to shopping in-store or online, credit cards are safer to carry than cash and more secure than debit cards. Options like Wright-Patt Credit Union’s (WPCU®) Platinum Low Rate or Platinum Rewards Visa® credit cards come with built-in protections for peace of mind in case of fraud or unauthorized transactions.
If someone asks you to use an unusual payment method this holiday season — such as a money wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app — it’s a red flag. These methods are a common tactic used by scammers. Once funds are sent, it’s difficult and sometimes impossible to get the money back.
3. Use Caution with Public Wi-Fi
While you’re out and about this holiday season, be careful when using public Wi-Fi. Public networks are not secure, and shouldn’t be used for entering payment information or logging into your financial accounts. If you need to log in on the go, use a mobile hotspot or cellular network instead.
4. Keep a Close Eye on Your Accounts
Between last-minute gifts, travel and seasonal splurges, it can be easy to lose track of your purchases during the holidays. But staying on top of your account activity is one of the best ways to catch fraud early. Many times, criminals will “test” stolen debit or credit cards by making small purchases under $5 before committing to a bigger purchase.
With WPCU’s Mobile and Online Banking, it’s easy to check your accounts on a daily basis. If you notice something doesn’t look quite right, don’t ignore it. Our team is here to help you take steps to protect your accounts and prevent further fraud.
5. Slow Down
Scammers use the hustle and bustle of the holidays to create a sense of urgency and trick their victims into acting without thinking things through.
Before clicking a link or completing a payment, pause and double-check. Those extra seconds could save you time, money and stress.
Remember: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Don’t click or respond.
As your caring financial partner, WPCU is always here to help you protect your accounts and take action in the event of fraud or identity theft. For more helpful fraud tips, tools and resources, visit our Fraud Prevention page or talk to a Financial Coach at your nearest Member Center.