The holiday season is here—and with it comes cozy nights, family traditions, and of course, lots of shopping! While online shopping makes crossing gifts off your list super convenient, it also brings out scammers hoping to cash in on the busy season. At Fond du Lac Credit Union, we want your holiday to be merry and bright—not stressful because of fraud. Here are some simple tips to help you shop smarter and safer online:
STICK TO STORES YOU KNOW
Big-name sites and trusted retailers are usually your safest bet… If you’re shopping somewhere new, do a quick check: make sure the web address starts with “https,” look for customer reviews, and confirm they have real contact info.
DON’T FALL FOR “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE” DEALS
That brand-new gaming system for half price? Probably not the real deal. Scammers love to use unbelievable discounts to grab your attention. Compare prices before clicking “add to cart”.
PAY WITH CREDIT OR DIGITAL WALLETS
Credit cards (and digital wallets like PayPal or Apple Pay) give you stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If something goes wrong, it’s easier to get your money back.
BE CAREFUL WITH EMAILS AND POP-UPS
If you get an email about an order you don’t remember placing, or a pop-up that says you’ve “won a prize,” don’t click the link. Instead, go straight to the retailer’s official website to check your account.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR ACCOUNTS
Check your statements often during the season. Spot something weird? Report it right away—it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS (AND 2FA IF YOU CAN)
A strong password goes a long way. Use different ones for each site and turn on two-factor authentication whenever it’s an option.
The holidays should be all about giving, not worrying about scams. With a few extra precautions, you can shop online with confidence and focus on what matters most enjoying the season with family and friends.
And remember, if you ever notice suspicious activity on your account, Fond du Lac Credit Union
is just a call away. We’re here to help keep your holidays safe and bright.