The holiday season is full of excitement — twinkling lights, family gatherings, and, of course, lots of shopping. With so many deals and limited-time offers, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. But while you’re hunting for the perfect gift, scammers are hunting for something too — your personal and financial information.

At FinancialEdge Credit Union, we want your holiday to be merry, bright, and scam-free. Here’s how to spot the warning signs and protect yourself from fraud this season.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For

1. Fake Retail Websites or Social Media Ads
Scammers often create fake online stores or social media ads that look legitimate — complete with familiar logos and “can’t miss” deals. Once you make a purchase, your money and information are land right in the hands of the scammers.

• Tip: Always double-check URLs, look for secure website indicators (like “https”), and research unfamiliar retailers before entering payment details.

2. “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If the price seems unbelievably low or too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters use eye-catching deals to lure shoppers into sharing credit card or personal information.

3. Package Delivery or Shipping Scams
You might get a text or email saying your package is delayed or needs confirmation. These often contain malicious links designed to steal your information.

• Tip: Track packages directly through the retailer or official carrier’s website instead of clicking on unsolicited links.

4. Phishing Emails and Texts
During the holidays, scammers send messages that appear to come from trusted companies or even a financial institution. They might ask you to “verify” your account, personal information, or payment info.

• Tip: FinancialEdge will never ask for your full card number, password, or PIN through email, text, or over the phone. When in doubt, don’t reply to the text or hang up, and call us directly.

5. Gift Card Scams
Be cautious if you’re asked to pay for something with a gift card. Legitimate companies will never request payment this way.

Smart Ways to Stay Safe

• Shop on secure Wi-Fi: Avoid public Wi-Fi for online purchases.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Especially for shopping and financial accounts.
• Enable alerts: Monitor your debit and credit card transactions through Card Controls and either ElectronicEdge or EdgeMobile.
• Keep software updated: Security updates help protect against new threats.
• Think before you click: Pause and verify any unexpected message about your accounts, orders, or payments.

How FinancialEdge Helps Protect You

Your security is always our priority. FinancialEdge members benefit from:

• 24/7 fraud monitoring on debit and credit cards
• Easy card lock/unlock ability through Card Controls
• Account and transaction alerts for unusual activity
• Friendly local support if you ever suspect fraud

Stay Vigilant, Shop Confidently

The holidays should be about giving — but not giving away your information. A few extra moments of caution can go a long way toward protecting your money and peace of mind.

If you ever notice suspicious activity on your FinancialEdge accounts, contact us right away by calling (989) 892-6088.
Stay safe, stay smart, and have a happy holiday season!

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