Credit Union of Georgia’s Guide to Holiday Fraud Protection and Online Safety

The holiday season is a time for loved ones, giving, and celebration, but it’s also one of the most profitable times of year for fraudsters. Between online shopping, digital payments, and last-minute travel plans, scammers have many opportunities to take advantage of distracted shoppers. 

Our team at Credit Union of Georgia is committed to keeping our members informed and protected. This guide will take you through practical strategies to help you stay safe from scams and safeguard your financial information.  

Understanding Holiday Fraud Trends  

From fake shopping websites to phishing emails promising unbelievable deals, scams become more sophisticated every year. Fraudsters often disguise themselves as trusted retailers, delivery services, or even charitable organizations to trick consumers into revealing personal details or making false payments. 

Some of the most common holiday scams include: 

• Phishing emails and texts pretending to be from major brands or banks. 

• Fake online stores that collect your payment information but never deliver products. 

• Charity scams that mimic legitimate organizations to solicit donations. 

• Gift card scams, where victims are pressured to pay balances with untraceable cards. Some fraudsters even go a step further, stealing the actual gift cards from their packaging and replacing them with inactive or fake ones. 

Awareness is the first line of defense. By recognizing red flags early, you can stop fraud before it starts. 

Keep Your Finances Merry, Bright, and Protected 

A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your finances and peace of mind. Keep these simple yet effective fraud prevention tips in mind as you shop this season. 

1. Shop on Secure, Trusted Websites 

Before entering your payment information, check that the website starts with “https://” and displays a padlock icon. Stick to well-known retailers or local businesses you trust and avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails or social media ads. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use flashy discounts to lure shoppers in. When in doubt, double-check the offer by visiting the retailer’s website directly by typing the URL into your browser instead of clicking a link.   

2. Keep Your Personal Information Private 

Legitimate financial institutions will never ask for your PIN, account number, or password via phone, text, or email. Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency or claim there’s a problem with your account. These are classic scare and scam tactics. 

3. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly 

Review your statements and account activity often. With Credit Union of Georgia’s mobile banking app, you can set up alerts to receive real-time notifications of purchases, transfers, or suspicious activity. 

4. Protect Your Devices 

Keep your phone, tablet, and computer software up to date, and install reputable antivirus protection. When shopping or banking online, avoid using public Wi-Fi and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible for an extra layer of security. 

How Generations Can Stay Scam-Smart 

Scammers target everyone—but the way they do it can often vary by age group. Here’s how members of different generations can stay one step ahead. 

Younger Members (Teens & College Students) 

Young people are often targeted through social media scams or online marketplace fraud. Encourage teens and college students to: 

• Be skeptical of influencer giveaways or “limited-time” promotions. 

• Use a Credit Union of Georgia Visa® Credit Card for online purchases for an added safeguard. This card offers a zero- liability for fraudulent transactions feature to ensure your money stays safe.   

• Never share banking credentials or payment app passwords with friends. 

Quick Tip: If a teen or student is using a parent’s debit or credit card, make sure it’s one with strong fraud protection, and that they only have limited access if they’re still learning financial responsibility. 

Millennials & Gen Z Professionals 

This tech-savvy group faces risks related to digital wallets and peer-to-peer payment apps. To stay protected: 

• Double-check usernames before sending money through apps like Zelle, Venmo, and CashApp.  

• Avoid transferring funds to people and numbers you don’t recognize.  

• Secure all devices with passcodes and/or facial recognition for additional security.  

Gen X & Busy Families 

Between online shopping, travel, and family activities, this group can be more vulnerable to delivery scams and fake charity requests. 

Stay safe by: 

• Confirming tracking numbers directly with shipping carriers. 

• Verify charities through trusted sources like Charity Navigator before donating. 

• Talk to kids and teens about safe online spending habits. 

Older Adults & Retirees 

Seniors are often targeted by phone and email scams pretending to be from financial institutions or government agencies and by digital display ads offering to-good-to-be-true deals. 

Stay safe by:  

• Hang up if a caller requests personal information or immediate payment. 

• Be cautious of pop-up “tech support” messages. (Example: Messages that claim your device is infected with a virus.) 

• Double-check online deals by verifying the URL yourself. You can check by typing the company’s website directly into your browser instead of clicking links.  

• Contact Credit Union of Georgia directly if you receive a suspicious call or email about your account. 

At every age, education and awareness are your best defenses against fraud. For more information about how to stay safe, to learn more about common fraud tactics used on seniors, check out this blog post detailing common fraud tactics.  

https://www.seniorliving.org/research/common-elderly-scams/

How Credit Union of Georgia Protects You  

As your trusted financial partner, we work around the clock to protect your accounts and personal information. Our secure online banking tools, card controls, and fraud monitoring services are designed to give you peace of mind.  

Here’s how we help keep your finances safe: 

• Real-time fraud alerts notify you instantly of unusual activity. 

• Card controls let you lock or unlock your debit and credit cards anytime through our app. 

• Encrypted digital banking ensures your sensitive information stays private. 

• Dedicated member support helps you resolve any concerns quickly and confidently. 

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud  

If something doesn’t feel right, act quickly. Here’s what to do if you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam or notice suspicious activity: 

1. Freeze or lock your card immediately through the Credit Union of Georgia mobile app. 

2. Contact our Member Services team right away. We’re here to help. 

• Local Number: 678-486-1111 
• Toll-Free Number: 1-800-262-2024 

3. Change your passwords, review your recent transactions, and make note of unfamiliar charges. 

Acting quickly when you suspect fraud will not only help prevent further financial damage, but also, it will restore your peace of mind. 

Enjoy a Safe, Secure Holiday Season with Credit Union of Georgia  

This holiday season, shop confidently knowing that the Credit Union of Georgia team is watching out for you. By staying alert, protecting your personal information, and using the secure tools available to you, you can enjoy this season without worrying about fraud. 

At Credit Union of Georgia, we’re more than just a financial institution, we are your neighbors, your partners, and your year-round resource for financial security and peace of mind. 

Stay safe, shop smart, and have a joyful holiday season!