Holiday Scam Alert, Part 1: Spot the Fakes Before They Find U
Online shopping should bring joy — not fraud. Here’s how to protect yourself (and your wallet) this holiday season.
The holidays are here — and so are the scammers. While you’re searching for the perfect gifts and deals, cybercriminals are setting digital traps to catch even the savviest shoppers. At UMe, we care about helping our Burbank comm-U-nity stay safe and secure — especially when fraudsters try to use the spirit of giving to take advantage of others.
Here are three common scams making the rounds this season — and how to steer clear of them:
Fake Websites & Copycat Retailers
Scammers create convincing websites that look like your favorite brands but are actually digital fakes. They use slight misspellings in URLs, poor-quality logos, or low-res images to trick shoppers into entering credit card or login information. Once you click “purchase,” they get your details — not your order.
UMe Pro Tip: Before U buy, double-check the web address for typos, missing letters, or extra characters — those sneaky details can signal a fake site. It may sound simple, but make sure the URL starts with “https://” — the “s” stands for secure and means the site is protecting your information. When in doubt, search for the retailer directly or shop through their verified app.
Online Shopping & Non-Delivery Scams
Everyone loves a good deal — but scammers love when you don’t question one. These fraudsters post ads or listings for items that are deeply discounted (and often fake). You make a payment, but the item either never arrives or isn’t what was advertised.
UMe Pro Tip: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with reputable sellers, use secure payment methods like your UMe debit or credit card, and be cautious of sellers who only accept wire transfers, Venmo, or gift cards.
Gift Card Scams
Gift cards make great presents — but scammers have found ways to turn them into easy cash. They might call pretending to be from a government agency or business demanding payment with a gift card, or they’ll tamper with cards on store racks and drain the funds once someone activates them.
UMe Pro Tip: No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask for payment via gift card. When buying cards in-store, inspect them for scratches or signs of tampering, and keep the receipt until the card is safely used.
At UMe, we’re here to help our comm-U-nity enjoy the season safely.
Come back next month for tips on post-holiday rush scams. If U spot a scam or think your account information has been compromised, contact UMe right away — we’ll move fast to protect your account and your peace of mind. U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe.
Source: This post was created with insights from the Better Business Bureau, FTC Consumer Alerts, and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!