Online Safety Tips for the Holidays

Authored By: Gwen Schajatovic Crenshaw on 11/7/2025

Stay Safe Online This Holiday Season: How to Spot Scams and Protect Your Information

The holidays are a season of giving—but unfortunately, they’re also a busy time for scammers. As online shopping, digital communication, and social media activity increase, so do fraud attempts. At Florence Federal Credit Union, we want to help you keep your personal and financial information safe this season.

Here are a few important tips to protect yourself from common holiday scams:

1. Beware of Fake Facebook Profiles and Pages

Scammers often create fake social media accounts that look just like real businesses—or even like your friends and family. These fake pages will often have misspellings or slight name variations in the page name. Often, they will claim to be hosting unusual giveaways asking for your account details or card number, or display links directing you to unfamiliar websites.

Tip: FFCU will never ask for your personal or account information through social media messages.

2. Don’t Fall for Scam Texts or Calls

Scammers may send texts or make phone calls pretending to be from a business or government agency. These messages often claim there’s an urgent issue—like a locked account or a missed payment—to trick you into sharing personal information or clicking on malicious links. FFCU will never ask for personal or account details by text or phone call. If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click, don’t answer, and don’t share information.

Tip: If you receive a call that you’re not sure is from us, hang up and call us directly at (256) 767-4700.

3. Gift cards are for Gifts, Not Payments

No financial institution, law enforcement agency, or any other entity will ever force you to pay in gift cards. That is the mark of a scam artist. Scammers often pressure victims by claiming there’s an urgent issue—like unpaid taxes, overdue bills, or a family emergency—and instruct them to buy gift cards and share the card numbers or PINs. Once those numbers are shared, the money is nearly impossible to recover. Always take a moment to pause and verify before taking action.

Tip: Gift cards are for gifts, not payments.

4. Shop Smart Online

Holiday deals can be tempting—but not every “too good to be true” sale is real. Make sure to shop only with trusted retailers or verified sellers. Use a debit or credit card with fraud protection instead of cash apps or wire transfers. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Tip: Verify before you buy.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Accounts Secure

Use strong, unique passwords for your financial and shopping accounts
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
Set up account alerts in online or mobile banking to get notified of unusual activity

At Florence Federal Credit Union, your security is our priority. We’re always here to help if you suspect fraud or need assistance securing your accounts.

This holiday season, stay safe, stay smart, and remember—we’re Caring, Committed, and Connected…to you!

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