November 2025 Newsletter

ARTICLE: Don't let Scammers Swipe Your Holiday Cheer.

5 Fraud Busting Tips

As the holiday season sparkles with deals and festive cheers, scammers are ready to swipe more than just your gift list. With online shopping and in-store purchases peaking, your credit card is a prime target for fraudsters. Don’t let holiday hustle turn into a financial hassle—arm yourself with these five best practices to keep your card safe and your season merry.

1: Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

The holiday shopping surge means more transactions, increasing the risk of fraudulent charges slipping through unnoticed. Check your credit card statements and online banking daily or weekly to catch unauthorized activity early and report it immediately to CCU Florida. The CCU Florida Mobile Banking App provides real-time transaction alerts, which can notify you instantly of any purchases. Reporting fraud quickly—ideally within 48 hours—can limit your liability and speed up resolution. You must inform CCU Florida of unauthorized transactions on your card within 60 days or you may not get back any money lost. CCU Florida has tools available to freeze your card temporarily if you suspect an issue, preventing further misuse.

2: Use Secure Payment Methods 

Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards under laws like the Fair Credit Billing Act, which caps your liability for unauthorized charges at $50. For added security, use digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal, which encrypt your card details. 

3: Shop on Trusted Websites and Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Stick to reputable retailers with secure sites that have https:// in the URL and a padlock icon which indicates a secure connection that encrypts your data. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true as they may lead to fake websites designed to steal your information. Avoid making purchases on public Wi-Fi networks, which can be vulnerable to hackers intercepting your data. Instead, use a trusted home network or your phone’s mobile data for transactions.

4: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication requires a second form of verification—like a code sent to your phone or an app prompt—in addition to your password, making it much harder for fraudsters to access your accounts. This extra step can help prevent unauthorized access even if someone steals your login credentials.

5: Be Cautious with Phishing and Unsolicited Offers

Holiday season scams spike, with fraudsters sending emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from banks, retailers, or delivery services. These often trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing card details. Never respond to unsolicited requests for personal information and avoid clicking links in unexpected messages. Remember, CCU Florida will never ask for your PIN, passwords or your full card number. Familiarize yourself with common phishing red flags, such as poor grammar or urgent demands.

Conclusion:

This holiday season don’t let fraud dim your festive glow. By staying vigilant, securing your transactions, and dodging scams, you can shop with confidence and keep your credit card and debit card safe. Make these five practices your holiday gift to yourself—peace of mind that lasts all year long.

Want to stay one step ahead of fraudsters? Visit the CCU Florida website or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for more tips and resources on protecting your finances this holiday season and beyond.

IMPORTANT DATES

November 4 and 13:
Safeguarding Seniors:
Strategies to Combat Elder Financial Exploitation
Webinar
Click Here To Register

November 8:
Free Shred Event
Viera West Branch
Click Here To Register

November 11:
Veteran's Day
Branches Closed 

November 27:
Thanksgiving Day
Branches Closed

November 28:
Branches Close at 2pm

November 29:
Branches Closed

See All Events and Register at: ccuFlorida.org/events