News & Tips

The holiday season means lots of shopping for gifts, decorations, food, and more. Unfortunately, identity theft increases during this time. Last year, 80% of U.S. consumers experienced or were targeted by common holiday-related frauds. 

Whether you’re shopping online from the comfort of your home or in stores for last-minute gifts, it’s important to stay vigilant and guard your information. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe from identity theft this holiday season. 

#1: Avoid unsecured networks.

As tempting as it may seem, it’s best to avoid shopping on your phone or laptop on public Wi-Fi networks, such as in the airport, coffee shops, or a local restaurant. Using an unsecured network for personal transactions puts you at risk. 

Why? Hackers may be able to tap into your connection and intercept data you’ve provided with your order, including credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, and your home address, providing all the information needed to steal your identity. 

Instead, shop on a secured network, at home, use your phone’s data, and secure all devices with a password. Also, avoid entering any personal information on websites, mobile apps, or emails while using public networks. 

#2: Only shop on secure websites.

It’s important to stay skeptical when shopping and making online purchases. Spam sites often pop up in emails, text messages, or social media sites, tricking consumers into placing orders they’ll likely never receive. 

Ensure that the website is secure by checking to see if the “https” is in the link in the address bar and avoid sites that use “http.” If you’re unsure of the reputation of the site, do your research by checking with a third-party site such as BBB.org before placing an order. 

#3: Choose credit over debit.

When making purchases, especially online or at gas stations, reach for your credit card over your debit card. Although debit cards offer similar protections as credit cards, money is immediately withdrawn from an account if a fraudulent charge were to occur, whereas credit card charges will only temporarily affect your credit limit. 

#4: Use Manage Cards in Online & Mobile Banking.

Manage Cards in Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU) Online & Mobile Banking has your back to help protect you from fraud while offering convenience. 

With Manage Cards, you can notify us if you’re traveling, turn your cards on or off if they’re lost or stolen, report any lost or stolen cards, change your PIN, receive real-time alerts on transactions and notifications for purchases, monitor your spending, and more! 

Plus, you can also easily add your cards to your digital wallet, making purchases safer and quicker. Learn more about digital wallets here.

#5: Monitor your accounts and credit reports. 

Getting yourself in the habit of regularly checking your accounts is one of the best ways to quickly identify any unusual or suspicious activity. It’s a good idea to set up alerts to receive email, text, or push notifications for card usage. 

Be sure to also check your credit reports. With AnnualCreditReport.com, you can receive free weekly online credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 

#6: Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re paying for an item over the phone, be aware of who is near you, and go to a private location where you can ensure no one can overhear or see your credit card numbers. And always cover keypads when you’re entering your PIN.

#7: Exercise caution with phone calls, texts, emails, social media, etc. 

Scammers may imitate popular package delivery services, such as Amazon, with “urgent” text messages, phone calls, or emails with fraudulent links. 

Fraudsters may also impersonate a government agency, friends or family, or a utility company requesting you to buy a gift card as a way of making a payment and then ask for that gift card’s information. They can even impersonate your financial institution. 

Always guard your personal information, account information, Social Security number, and verification codes, and never click links or download attachments from unexpected messages or emails. Remember, SCCU will never ask you for this information by any means that a member didn’t first initiate. Learn more on our Fraud Prevention Center page. 

#8: Choose digital over paper documents.

You may be traveling for the holidays, which leaves your mailbox vulnerable. With eStatements, you’ll have more peace of mind knowing you’re keeping valuable account information out of your mailbox. 

To switch to eStatements in SCCU Online & Mobile Banking: Select ‘Update Contact Info’ under Quick Actions and click ‘Manage Statement Preferences’ under Statement Preferences. 

Pro tip: If you’re going out of town, ask your friends and family to hold off on mailing you anything until you return. You could also submit a stop mail request with the post office for the time you’re away. 

Additionally, choose digital receipts over paper receipts, and shred anything with sensitive information rather than throwing them away. 

Fraud Prevention at Space Coast Credit Union

Space Coast Credit Union is always looking for ways to better serve and protect our members. Here’s how:

• 2Way Text Fraud Alerts: SCCU sends text message alerts upon detecting fraudulent activity. All you need to do is make sure we have your current cell phone number on file. You can check your information in Online & Mobile Banking by clicking ‘Update Contact Info’ under Quick Actions, by calling your local SCCU phone number, or by visiting your local branch.
• Online and Mobile Banking account alerts: Multiple alert options are available in Online & Mobile Banking, including daily balance and transaction alerts, overdraft alerts, and notifications when your account reaches certain limits. Learn more here. 
• SCCU Credit Card fraud protection features: With a credit card at SCCU, you can rest easier with Visa Zero Liability Protection¹⁴ (helps protect you against unauthorized credit charges if your card is lost, stolen, or fraudulently used).

SCCU will never request personal account information through phone, text, email, or any other means that a member did not first initiate. If you receive an unexpected message or phone call appearing to be from SCCU, ignore it, and reach out to us directly by phone or live chat.  

Visit our Fraud Prevention Center to arm yourself with knowledge against fraud!