The holiday season is one of the most wonderful—and busiest—times of the year. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers and fraudsters. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers report a sharp increase in fraud during the holidays, especially as more people shop online and use mobile banking. Between online purchases, digital donations, and travel expenses, it’s easy for criminals to sneak in unnoticed. At Befit Financial Credit Union (BFFCU), your financial security is always our top priority. Here are simple, effective ways to protect yourself from banking fraud during the holidays.
- Be Wary of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are one of the most common forms of banking fraud during the holidays. These often come in the form of fake emails, texts, or even calls pretending to be your bank, delivery company, or favorite retailer.
- Look closely at sender addresses and URLs—small misspellings are a red flag.
- Never click on suspicious links or attachments.
- When in doubt, contact the company directly using a verified number or website.
Remember: BFFCU will never ask for your personal information, PIN, or password by email or text.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
With so many online accounts, it can be tempting to reuse passwords—but that’s exactly what hackers count on.
- Create strong passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Use a trusted password manager to keep them secure.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible for an extra layer of protection.
Taking a few minutes to update your passwords now can save you from major stress later.
- Monitor Your Accounts Frequently
Fraud can happen fast, but early detection can make all the difference.
- Check your online banking or mobile app regularly for unusual activity.
- Set up transaction alerts to receive notifications for large or unexpected charges.
- Report suspicious activity to BFFCU immediately—our team is here to help keep your accounts safe.
- Shop Securely
Holiday deals are everywhere, but so are fake websites. Before making a purchase:
- Stick to trusted retailers and verified apps.
- Look for “https://” in the URL and the lock icon before entering payment info.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online shopping—use your mobile data or a secure home network instead.
A little caution goes a long way in keeping your information protected.
- Protect Your Debit & Credit Cards
Your cards are a key target for fraud, especially with increased spending this time of year.
- Use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay for added security and encrypted transactions.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately to prevent unauthorized charges.
- Check ATMs and gas station pumps for skimming devices before inserting your card.
BFFCU debit cards also allow you to set up card controls and spending alerts right from your mobile app—giving you peace of mind wherever you go.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season
Don’t let fraud steal your holiday cheer. Stay alert, use secure banking tools, and monitor your accounts to protect your hard-earned money. At Befit Financial Credit Union, your security matters. We offer secure online and mobile banking, customizable account alerts, and fraud protection features designed to help you stay one step ahead. Stay safe this holiday season—set up fraud alerts and explore our security features by visiting bffcu.org!