Stay Safe From Holiday Scams

Holiday Shopping Scams to Watch Out For: How to Stay Safe This Season

The holiday rush is around the corner and unfortunately, so are the scammers. With more people shopping online and on their phones than ever before, fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. Before you click “buy,” it’s important to know the red flags and the best ways to protect your personal and financial information.

Whether you’re buying gifts, booking travel, or taking advantage of holiday sales, here’s how to stay safe from scams this season.

1. Shop Only on Secure, Trusted Websites

Before making a purchase, always check that the website shows “https://” in the URL and a closed padlock icon. This indicates the site encrypts your data and is significantly harder for cybercriminals to intercept.

Quick tip:

Be cautious of unfamiliar websites promoted through ads or social posts. Scammers often design fake online stores that disappear after collecting your payment.

2. Compare Prices: Extremely Low Costs Can Signal a Scam

We all love a good deal, but if the price seems too good to be true, it usually is. Fraudulent websites frequently lure shoppers with unbelievable pricing on popular items.

Before checking out, conduct a simple online search for the product and click on your browser’s shopping tab to compare pricing across multiple legitimate retailers. If one site is drastically cheaper than the rest, proceed carefully.

3. Research the Seller Before You Buy

If you’re buying from a seller you’ve never heard of, especially through social media, do a quick search for their name or business along with the word “scam.”

This simple step can reveal:

• Prior reports of fraudulent activity
• Negative customer experiences
• Warnings from consumer protection agencies

It takes only seconds and could save you from losing money.

4. Use Extra Caution When Buying Through Social Media Marketplaces

Shopping on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, TikTok Shop, or on community groups can be convenient, but it comes with higher risk.

Be wary if the seller:

• Pressures you to pay quickly
• Refuses to meet in person (local sales)
• Insists you pay through peer-to-peer (P2P) services like Zelle, Venmo, or CashApp
• Requests payment as “Friends and Family”

This matters because P2P payments typically offer no purchase protection. If the product is fake or never arrives, you may not get your money back.

Safer alternatives:

Use a credit card or platforms like PayPal Goods & Services, which offer fraud protection.

5. Use Online Banking Alerts And Never Share One-Time Passcodes

Account alerts are one of the easiest ways to stay on top of unexpected charges or account activity. Set up notifications so you're alerted when:

• Your balance drops below a certain amount
• A large purchase posts
• Your card is used online or internationally

And most importantly:

If you are ever sent a one-time code, never share it with anyone contacting you by phone, text, email, or chat, even if they claim to be from Monterra Credit Union. We will NEVER ask for your one-time passcode.

Scammers often impersonate financial institutions to gain access to your accounts.

6. Use Contactless Payments When Shopping In-Store

Card-skimming devices are tiny, hard-to-spot attachments criminals place over card readers and they remain a problem during the holiday season.

Using tap-to-pay or your digital wallet adds an extra layer of security because:

• Your actual card number is never shared with the retailer
• Each transaction uses a unique, encrypted token
• Skimmers can’t intercept contactless transaction data

If you must insert or swipe, inspect the terminal closely for anything loose, bulky, or unusual.

7. Protect Your Identification: Be Mindful of Verification Photos

Some apps and companies ask for ID verification by having you upload or take a photo of your driver’s license. While this is common for services like delivery apps, gambling sites, or age-restricted products, it does come with risks.

If your ID image is compromised, scammers can use it for:

• Identity theft
• Account takeovers
• Creating fraudulent accounts in your name

Only provide ID verification to legitimate, trusted organizations and avoid doing so if something feels off or if the request comes through a suspicious link.

Stay Safe and Shop Smart This Season

The holidays should be merry, not miserable. By knowing the warning signs and taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy the excitement of holiday shopping without falling for fraud.

If you ever suspect fraudulent activity on your Monterra Credit Union accounts, contact us right away at (650) 363-1725 or stop by your nearest branch. You can also visit our Fraud & Security Center for tips, tools, and additional resources to help protect yourself.