The holiday season is a time for celebration, generosity, and connection – but it’s also prime time for scammers. Each year, fraudsters use the holiday rush to trick consumers through fake online stores, phishing emails, delivery scams, and bogus charities. While online shopping makes gift-giving easier, it also creates new opportunities for fraud.
At MSDFCU, your financial safety is always our priority. This season, we’re reminding members to stay alert and take advantage of a helpful tool in Online Banking – the Regional Card Alert – for extra peace of mind.
To set up your alert:
1. Log in to Online Banking.
2. Go to Accounts > Card Management.
3. Select your debit or credit card.
4. Follow the prompts to set your preferred region.
Common Holiday Scams to Watch For
• Fake Retail Sites: Watch for “too good to be true” deals and always verify a website’s legitimacy.
• Phishing Messages: Don’t click links or share information in unsolicited emails or texts.
• Package Delivery Scams: Go directly to a carrier’s official site rather than using links in messages.
• Charity Scams: Verify organizations before donating through trusted sites like Charity Navigator.
Add an Extra Layer of Protection
Our Regional Card Alert feature notifies you whenever your debit card is used in-store outside of a region you set, helping you detect unusual activity quickly. It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your finances during the busy shopping season and all year long.
A few simple precautions and tools like Regional Card Alerts can help you enjoy the holidays with confidence. From all of us at MSDFCU, we wish you a joyful and scam-free holiday season!