At Welcome Federal Credit Union, we want to help you protect yourself, your information, and your finances so you can keep the holidays bright. Thousands of people fall victim to holiday scams each year, resulting in millions of dollars in stolen funds and compromised identities.
The holiday season should be filled with joy, not stress. But while you’re shopping, traveling, and celebrating, scammers are working overtime to take advantage of your generosity and distractions.
Fraud is constantly evolving, and 2025 has already seen a wide range of scams targeting consumers. From impersonation schemes to online shopping traps, criminals use sophisticated tactics to steal personal information, money, and even identities. Understanding common scams, recognizing warning signs, and taking proactive steps to protect yourself can help you stay safe throughout the year.
Holiday Scams to Watch For
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, creating polished and convincing scams that can be difficult to detect. Here are some of the most common:
- Fake online stores and look-alike websites – These sites lure shoppers with hard-to-find items and unbelievable deals. Always check the URL for typos, odd spellings, or missing security (https). Avoid sites that lack contact information or have unclear return policies.
- Non-delivery and non-payment scams – You pay for goods that never arrive, or ship goods and never receive payment. In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported more than $309 million lost to these scams.1
- Phishing and smishing – Emails and texts designed to look like they’re from trusted retailers, delivery companies, or even charities. They often contain malicious links or urgent messages.
- Gift card fraud – Scammers ask you to pay with a pre-paid card, then steal the funds. Legitimate sellers will never request this.
- Fake charities and donation appeals – Emotional pleas around the holidays can pull on your heartstrings. Always research charities or give to organizations you know and trust.
Other scam tactics include robocalls, card skimming, QR code scams, money mules, and catfishing.
Smart Habits to Stay Safe
The best defense against scams is a mix of awareness and good financial habits:
- Think before you click. Don’t open suspicious links or attachments, even if they look like they’re from a company you trust.
- Scrutinize email addresses, phone numbers, and websites.
- Use official company apps and phone numbers rather than clicking links or calling numbers from emails or texts.
- Slow down and stay alert. Avoid letting anger, fear, or urgency drive decisions. Scammers often pressure victims to act immediately.
- Check before you buy.
- Verify sellers, read reviews, and confirm that websites are secure.
- Make sure the website address begins with “https” instead of just “http”. Also, ensure the padlock icon is locked.
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- Type a company’s name with keywords like “scam,” “fraud,” or “complaints” before engaging. Alternatively, you can check the company’s business record with the Better Business Bureau.
- Pay safely. Avoid wiring money or using gift cards. Instead, use a credit card, which offers better protection against fraud. Review your statements regularly.
- Monitor deliveries. Get tracking numbers for online orders and be cautious of mismatched billing and shipping addresses.
- Use strong cybersecurity. Update software, enable multifactor authentication, and use strong passwords or a password manager.
- Secure your information.
- Never provide personal or financial information to unverified contacts.
- Hang up on suspicious calls; criminals may spoof the caller ID.
- Regularly update passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when possible.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect fraud, act quickly:
- Report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center ic3.gov.
- Contact your bank, credit union, or credit card company immediately to dispute transactions or charges.
- Notify local law enforcement.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and block the sender.
- Change compromised passwords and monitor your credit reports for unusual activity.
- Keep evidence, including emails, texts, and screenshots, for your records.
Keep Your Season Bright
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Just because you see or hear it on TV, radio, or the internet doesn’t guarantee it’s legitimate. Knowledge is your best defense. Pause before you click, share, or send money. By staying cautious, verifying sources, and practicing safe financial habits, you can enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.
At Welcome FCU, we’re here to support you, not just during the holidays, but all year long. Stay safe, shop smart, and keep the joy in your season! Stop in or call us to learn more. You are always Welcome!
1https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf