Protect your credit card during holiday shopping
Protect your credit card during holiday shopping
The holiday season brings great deals—and greater risk for credit card fraud. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, use these simple tips to keep your financial information safe.
🛒 In-Store Shopping Safety Tips
✅ Use secure payment methods – Credit cards are safer than debit cards because they offer stronger fraud protection.
✅ Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
✅ Inspect card readers for loose parts or anything that looks altered (possible skimmers).
✅ Keep your card in sight during transactions—don’t let it disappear behind a counter.
✅ Hold on to receipts and match them with your statements.
✅ Avoid public Wi-Fi when using payment apps in stores.
💻 Online Shopping Safety Tips
✅ Shop only from secure websites – Look for “https://” and the lock icon.
✅ Avoid clicking deal links in unsolicited texts or emails (phishing scams).
✅ Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager if possible.
✅ Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on retail and financial accounts.
✅ Use virtual card numbers if your card issuer offers them.
✅ Never save card info on shared or public computers.
🔔 Monitor & Act Fast
✅ Set up real-time transaction alerts with your bank or card issuer.
✅ Review statements frequently during the holiday season.
✅ Report suspicious charges immediately—fast action limits your liability.
🎁 Extra Holiday Protection Tip
Never overshare on social media about gifts, travel plans, or deliveries—criminals use that information to time fraud and theft.
A little caution now can save a lot of stress later.
Shop smart. Shop safe.
