Holiday Shopping Tips

Be On Guard: Safe Holiday Shopping Tips to Avoid Scams!
Each year, scammers and identity thieves steal billions of dollars from unsuspecting members. This activity escalates during the holiday shopping season. Follow these tips to be on guard and protect yourself from becoming a victim at any time of the year!

Read refund and return policies prior to making a purchase.
Before committing to a purchase, take a few minutes to read the store’s refund and return policies, as these can vary widely by retailer. Knowing the policy in advance helps you understand any time limits,
restocking fees, or other conditions you may need to meet for a successful return. This way, if an item isn’t what you expected or arrives damaged, you’ll have a clear path to resolve the issue without surprises.
 

If your order didn’t arrive or your refund request is denied, dispute the charges.
In cases where a vendor refuses to assist or a product fails to arrive, contacting your bank or credit card provider can initiate a chargeback, which protects you as a consumer. Be sure to keep records of your
communications with the retailer to support your case. Acting quickly is crucial, as many banks have time limits for disputing charges related to fraudulent or undelivered purchases.
 

Watch out for bogus websites and suspicious apps, and only use official retailer websites and apps, which may offer stronger security.
Fake websites can look strikingly similar to legitimate ones, so double-check the URL for any unusual characters or misspellings. Download retailer apps directly from official app stores, as these stores have
measures to detect and remove malicious apps. Verifying the website or app’s authenticity can help you avoid phishing scams and ensure that your personal information remains safe.
 

Monitor your credit and debit card transactions on a regular basis to increase the chance of spotting unauthorized purchases or withdrawals in the early stage of this fraud.
Regularly reviewing your bank statements or using mobile alerts can help you catch suspicious transactions sooner rather than later. The faster you identify unauthorized activity, the quicker you can
notify your bank to prevent further losses. Early detection also minimizes the hassle of dealing with a prolonged fraud investigation and helps you stay on top of your financial security.