Holiday Scams to Watch Out For: Your seasonal guide to staying protected
The holidays are supposed to be a time for joy, celebration, and giving—not worrying about scammers. But every year, as people shop more, ship more, and donate more, fraud attempts spike across the country.
At UNCLE Credit Union, we’re proud to serve our members across Livermore, Tracy, Pleasanton, Stockton, and surrounding communities—and keeping you safe is always our top priority.
So let’s walk through the most common holiday scams, how to spot them, and simple ways you can stay protected this season.
Why Holiday Scams Surge This Time of Year
Think about how much we do online around the holidays: ordering gifts, tracking packages, booking travel, and sending donations. Scammers know you’re busy and distracted, so they use realistic-looking messages, websites, and social posts to trick people into acting quickly without thinking.
But a little awareness goes a long way.
1. Fake Online Stores & “Too Good to Be True” Deals
We’ve all seen those unbelievably low prices on popular items during the holidays. Unfortunately, many of those “stores” aren’t real. Scammers create websites that look professional but can disappear the second they get your money or never deliver your product.
Signs something isn’t right:
- The deal seems a little too amazing
- The website has spelling or grammar mistakes
- There’s no customer support number
- The checkout page doesn’t show “HTTPS”
When in doubt, shop from trusted retailers—and using your UNCLE Credit Union debit or credit card gives you added fraud protection through Mastercard Zero Liability Protection.
2. Package Delivery & Tracking Scams
With so many packages arriving in December, it’s easy to fall for a fake “delivery attempt” text or email. Scammers love sending messages pretending to be UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Amazon.
These links can install malware or steal your login information.
Stay safe by:
- Tracking packages through official carrier sites
- Ignoring unexpected “delivery issue” messages
- Never enter your personal or payment information from a random link
You can protect yourself even further by enabling Card Alerts for instant notifications through the UNCLE Mobile or online banking.
3. Charity & Donation Scams
The holidays inspire generosity, which is why scammers try to impersonate charities—especially right after natural disasters or during end-of-year donation drives.
Red flags to watch for:
- High-pressure requests (“Donate now before time runs out!”)
- No clear website or history
- Requests for Venmo, Zelle, or gift cards
- Suspicious social media pages
If you want to donate, go directly to the charity’s official website or look them up on CharityNavigator.org. This extra step protects your good intentions.
4. Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are popular during the holidays—unfortunately, scammers love them too. If someone calls, emails, or messages you asking to pay a fee, bill, or “unlock an account” with a gift card, it’s always a scam.
Keep yourself safe by:
- Never use gift cards as a form of payment
- Checking physical cards for scratches or tampering
- Buying only from reputable stores
No legitimate business, including UNCLE Credit Union, will ever request payment this way.
5. Social Media Holiday Giveaway Scams
Between TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, holiday giveaways are everywhere. Some are real—but many are designed to collect personal information or even banking details.
Be cautious if:
- The page isn’t verified
- The account name is slightly misspelled
- They ask for sensitive info
- They require sending money or signing up friends
When something feels off, trust your instincts and skip it.
How UNCLE Credit Union Helps Protect You Year-Round
Whether you’re looking for a credit union in Livermore, Tracy, or anywhere in the East Bay, Central Valley, and Tri-Valley, UNCLE works behind the scenes every day to keep your accounts secure.
Our members benefit from:
- Real-time Card Alerts
- Advanced fraud detection technology
- Secure Online & Mobile Banking
- Extensive list of Mastercard® benefits
- Friendly, local support from people who live in the same communities you do
Your financial safety matters to us—especially during high-risk times like the holidays.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Don’t panic—just act quickly.
- Freeze your card immediately through the UNCLE mobile app
- Change passwords to any affected accounts
- Contact UNCLE Credit Union so we can help protect your funds
- Report the issue to FTC.gov and local law enforcement
We’re here to help guide you through it.
Simple Holiday Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
A few small habits can make a big difference:
- Avoid saving your card info on multiple shopping sites
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
- Monitor your accounts regularly
Staying aware keeps your holidays joyful and worry-free.
We’re Here for You—This Season and All Year Long
If you’re looking for a trusted, community-focused credit union near Livermore, Tracy, Pleasanton, or Stockton, UNCLE Credit Union is proud to serve you.
For more tips and tools to protect yourself, visit our Fraud Prevention Center or reach out to our team. We’re here to help you enjoy a safe, secure, and happy holiday season.
