Stay Safe This Season: A Complete Guide to Avoiding Holiday Scams

12/2/2025

Holiday Scams

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving. But it’s also one of the busiest times of year for scammers who take advantage of increased spending, online shopping, travel, and charitable donations. At First South Financial Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority, and we want to help you stay protected from common holiday scams—plus one year-round scheme that’s been on the rise.

Below are the most frequent scams to watch out for this season. Here's how to safeguard your money, your personal information, and your peace of mind.

1. Online Shopping Scams & Bogus Deals

With so many people shopping online, scammers create fake websites or counterfeit versions of trusted retailers to steal your money or personal information. Some even set up marketplace listings for products that don’t exist.

How to Avoid It

Shop only from reputable retailers; double-check the URL for “https” and a padlock icon.
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true—because they often are.
Use secure payment methods like credit cards, which provide additional fraud protection.

2. Shipping & Package Delivery Scams

Fake emails or texts may claim your package is delayed, undeliverable, or requires a fee to release. These messages often contain malicious links or lead to fake login pages.

How to Avoid It

Track packages using official carrier websites.
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.
When in doubt, contact the delivery company directly.

3. Phishing Emails & Texts

Scammers impersonate legitimate companies—from retailers to delivery services—to pressure you into clicking links or sharing sensitive information.

How to Avoid It

Verify messages by contacting the company through an official phone number or website.
Hover over links before clicking to see their true destination.
Watch for spelling errors, urgent language, or unusual sender addresses.

4. Fake Charity Appeals

The spirit of giving makes the holidays an ideal time for scammers to create fake charities or impersonate real ones.

How to Avoid It

Research charities through trusted platforms like Charity Navigator.
Don’t donate via unsolicited messages.
Make sure the organization has a secure, legitimate website.

5. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a holiday staple—and a scammer favorite. From scratched PINs to fake requests for payment, these schemes are increasingly common.

How to Avoid It

Only buy gift cards from reputable retailers or secure locations.
Never pay debts, taxes, or fees with gift cards.
Report suspicious activity to the card issuer immediately.

6. Social Media Shopping & Giveaway Scams

Fake ads, counterfeit storefronts, and bogus giveaways can lure you into giving up personal information or making fraudulent purchases.

How to Avoid It

Verify the legitimacy of ads and sellers before buying.
Check reviews, ratings, and the seller’s history.
Avoid providing sensitive information for “giveaways” or contests.

7. Holiday Travel Scams

As travel spikes, so do scams involving non-existent rental homes, fake vacation packages, or fraudulent ticket-booking websites.

How to Avoid It

Book travel through reputable companies or directly with airlines and hotels.
Avoid listings that require wire transfers or unusually low deposits.
Be wary of deals that seem unrealistically cheap.

8. Fraudulent Seasonal Job Offers

Scammers post fake job listings to collect upfront fees or steal personal information from job seekers.

How to Avoid It

Be cautious of employers asking for payment for equipment or training.
Validate job postings through the company’s official website.
Never share sensitive information until you've confirmed the employer is legitimate.

A Year-Round Scam to Watch: The Courier Scam

This fast-growing scheme involves scammers claiming that your debit or credit card has been “compromised.” They then say a credit union employee or courier will come to your home to collect it.

This is always a scam.

A legitimate financial institution—including First South Financial—will never:

Send an employee or courier to your home to collect your card
Ask for your PIN, password, or one-time access code over the phone

If someone requests this, hang up immediately and call the number on the back of your card.

How First South Financial Helps Protect You

We’re committed to giving you the tools and support you need to stay safe:

Real-Time Alerts
- Get notifications for unusual activity so you can respond quickly.
Secure Online & Mobile Banking
- Manage your finances safely with robust security features and account monitoring tools.
Expert Member Support
- If you ever suspect fraud, contact us right away—we’re here to help.

Enjoy a Safe, Joyful Holiday Season

The holidays should be full of celebration, not stress. By staying alert, verifying details, and following simple precautions, you can keep your finances secure and focus on what matters most.

If you have questions about fraud prevention or need help with your account, visit your nearest First South Financial location or call us directly.

From all of us at First South Financial, we wish you a safe and joyous holiday season!

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