Holiday Scam Safety: Think You Can Spot One?

The holidays bring joy, traditions, and plenty of shopping — but they also bring a major rise in scams. The FBI warns that fraud spikes this time of year, especially online shopping scams, fake delivery alerts, imposter calls, and charity scams.

At Educational Community Alliance CU, we want you to enjoy the season with confidence. Here’s what to watch out for — and a fun way to test your skills.

Top Holiday Scams to Look Out For

Online Shopping Scams

Scammers set up fake stores or listings offering big discounts. You pay… nothing arrives.

Fake Delivery Messages

Texts or emails claim there’s a delivery issue and push you to click a link.

Gift-Card & Prepaid-Card Scams

If someone asks you to pay with a gift card or crypto — that’s a scam.

Imposter Scams

Fraudsters pose as Educational Community Alliance CU, government agencies, or utilities to pressure you for personal information.

Fake Charities

Scammers create copycat donation pages that look nearly identical to the real thing.

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s the quick cheat sheet to stay safe:

  • Shop only on trusted websites — not from random ads or links
  • Never share your PIN, password, or full card number
  • Avoid unusual payment methods (gift cards, crypto, prepaid cards)
  • Verify before you act — hang up and call the organization directly
  • Check your accounts often and report anything suspicious

 

Ready to Test Your Scam-Spotting Skills?

We created a quick Holiday Fraud Awareness Quiz — fun, fast, and eye-opening.
See how well you can spot the scams most members deal with this time of year.

Take the quiz and share your score with friends or coworkers — bragging rights encouraged!

Educational Community Alliance CU Is Here to Help

If something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out. Protecting you and your money is what we’re here for — during the holidays and all year long.

Source: FBI — Holiday Scams & Safety Tips
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/holiday-scams

Holiday Fraud Awareness Quiz

Test your scam-spotting skills with real-world scenarios members actually face.

1. You receive a text from a shipping company with a legitimate-looking tracking number and your correct name. It says your package is delayed and asks you to update your delivery preferences. What should you do?

  1. A) Click the link since the tracking number looks real
    B) Go directly to the shipping company’s website/app and enter the tracking number yourself
    C) Reply STOP to opt out

2. A popular retailer emails you a “50% OFF TODAY ONLY” promo. The sender address looks correct except for one extra letter (e.g., @targett-deals.com). What’s the safest move?

  1. A) Click the email and shop the sale before it ends
    B) Hover over the links and, if they seem legit, continue
    C) Delete the email and navigate to the retailer’s official site yourself

3. You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from Educational Community Alliance CU’s “Fraud Department.” They know your name, address, and last four of your card — and they say there’s suspicious activity. They ask you to confirm the 6-digit code texted to your phone. What do you do?

  1. A) Give them the code since they clearly have your account info
    B) Hang up and call Educational Community Alliance CU using the number on the official website
    C) Ask them to verify their employee ID

4. A charity you donated to last year emails you saying your donation didn’t process correctly and asks you to “resubmit” using a link. How do you respond?

  1. A) Click the link since you recognize the charity
    B) Ignore it — it’s obviously a scam
    C) Call or visit the charity’s official website to confirm the message

5. You list something online for sale. A buyer offers to send you a mobile payment for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. What should you do?

  1. A) Decline the offer — overpayment is a major scam red flag
    B) Accept the payment and refund the difference
    C) Ask them to resend the exact amount

6. You get an email saying there’s been suspicious activity on your streaming service. The email includes your correct username and the right branding, but the message urges you to “secure your account within 24 hours.” What’s the safest next step?

  1. A) Click the link and change your password
    B) Log into your streaming service directly (not through the email) and check for alerts
    C) Reply asking for verification

7. A coworker messages you from their personal phone number asking you to buy gift cards for a “school family in need,” promising reimbursement. The message uses similar wording to past giving campaigns. What do you do?

  1. A) Buy the gift cards — educators help each other
    B) Ask for more details via text
    C) Contact the coworker through another method (email or in person) to confirm

ANSWER KEY 

1 — B (Tracking numbers can be spoofed; always navigate directly to the company.)
2 — C (Lookalike domains are a top holiday scam method.)
3 — B (The 6-digit code is your login verification — scammers often trigger it.)
4 — C (Charity impersonation is common; confirm through official channels.)
5 — A (Overpayment scams rely on fake or reversed payments.)
6 — B (Go straight to the service to verify, never through email.)
7 — C (Gift card scams often impersonate people you know.)

Your Score

6–7 correct: Fraud-Fighter Expert — you know the tricks scammers rely on.
4–5 correct: Strong awareness — sharpen your instincts and stay cautious.
0–3 correct: Great learning opportunity — now you’re safer than before.

Scammers are getting more sophisticated — but so are you. Slow down, verify everything, and trust your instincts. If anything feels off, contact Educational Community Alliance Credit Union directly. We’re here to help protect your money and your peace of mind.

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams.