Holiday Shopping Online: How to Spot Scams and Shop Safely
Online holiday shopping can be fast, convenient, and a little too tempting when the deals start flying. But scammers know that busy shoppers are easier to rush, distract, and trick. That is why holiday shopping online has become a favorite target for fraudsters, especially through fake websites, scam ads, phishing messages, and delivery alerts that look real at first glance. First New York Federal Credit Union reminds members to stay alert, and notes that it will never call or text to ask for your member number, Social Security number, or other sensitive personal information.
Common Holiday Shopping Scams to Watch For
One of the biggest risks is the fake online store. Scammers often post ads on social media or build websites that imitate real brands and offer prices that seem unbelievably low. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that if a seller only accepts gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency, that is a major red flag. The Federal Law Enforcement (FBI) has also warned that holiday shopping scams often involve non-delivery or non-payment schemes, where shoppers pay but never receive the item.
Phishing is another common scam during the holidays. These messages may arrive by email, text, or phone and claim there is a problem with your account, a delivery, or a security code. First New York has warned members about phishing texts and emails that use urgency, fake login links, or impersonation tactics to capture personal information. Scam messages may also use pressure, threats, or strange wording to push you into acting fast before you think twice.
Package delivery scams also pick up during the holidays. You may receive a text or email saying a package is delayed, needs a fee or requires you to click al ink to confirm your address. Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the FTC both recommend verifying tracking updates directly with the retailer or carrier instead of clicking links inside unexpected messages.
Red Flags That a Holiday Deal May Be a Scam
A few warning signs show up again and again, be cautious if the seller pressures you to act immediately, asks for unusual payment methods, includes links you were not expecting, or sends you to a website with spelling errors, poor formatting, or clear return policy. BBB also recommends checking for a secure checkout page, reviewing the privacy policy, and researching the seller name plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam” before buying.
Another clue is the classic “too good to be true” offer. If a brand-new item is priced far below every other retailer, or a social media ad promises an impossible bargain, pause before you click. FDC and BBB both warn that scammy shopping sites often rely on impulse buying and fast-moving holiday stress.
How to Protect Yourself While Shopping Online
Start with the seller. Shop directly from websites you know, or take a minute to verify the business before entering payment information. Save your order confirmation, receipt, and tracking details in case something goes wrong. The FDC recommends paying by credit card when possible, since it may give you stronger dispute projections if an item never arrives or is not what you ordered.
It also helps to slow down before you click. Do not share one-time passcodes, full Social Security numbers, or account details in response to a text, email, or call you did not initiate. If a message claims to be from First New York, contact the credit union directly using a number you know is official rather than replying to the message itself. First New York provides member support through our Contact Center and encourages members to report suspicious communication right away.
What to Do If You Spot a Scam
If something feels off, stop before you pay or share more information. Change your password if needed, review your account activity, and contact the merchant or financial institution through official channels. You can also report fraud to the FTC, and for broader internet crime issues, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center is another important reporting option. For First New York members, suspicious activity should be reported to the Contact Center at (518) 393-1326, option 2. Also check out our Safety First resources that are here to help members stay informed, stay alert, and stay one step ahead.
Holiday shopping online should feel convenient, not confusing. A few smart habits like checking the seller, using secure payment methods, and pausing on urgent messages can go a long way toward protecting your money and your information. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and keep your holiday shopping focused on gifts, not grief.