Shoppers Beware: Protect Yourself From Holiday Scams

Published: November 22, 2025

You’re sipping hot chocolate, scrolling through unbeatable Black Friday deals, and maybe even hitting “buy now” on that cozy sweater you’ve been eyeing. But while you’re hunting for the perfect gift, scammers are hunting you. This holiday season, fake websites, phishing emails, and sketchy text messages are circling like relatives fighting for the last slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner—and they don’t care whether your bank account is big or small.

Before you click the checkout button, let’s talk about how to spot common scams, secure your info, and protect yourself so your holidays can remain festive—not fraudulent.

Deals That Are Just Too Good to Be True

Scammers know students love a bargain, so they build fake shopping sites or social media ads promising hot-ticket items for a steal. According to Norton, fake stores offering deeply discounted electronics or clothes are one of the top holiday traps today.

What to do: Stick to well-known, trusted retailers—especially during the busy holiday season when scam sites pop up more frequently. Before you buy, double-check that the website URL is correct, look for secure payment indicators (like “https”), and avoid entering your card information on unfamiliar or poorly designed websites.

Shipping “Failures” That Successfully Scam

Here’s a common con to look out for: you get a text or email supposedly from UPS (or FedEx) saying something went wrong with your package’s delivery and you need to “reschedule” or pay a “fee.” It looks real, but the link often takes you to a phishing site that attempts to steal your information or card details.

What to do: If you’re unsure, don’t click. Instead, open a new browser, go to the official UPS website (or tracking app), and verify there.

Identity and Card Theft: The Gift No One Wants to Receive

Once scammers get ahold of your information, they can run wild: empty your account, apply for loans in your name, or open accounts pretending to be you. And all of that can start with just one wrong click.

What to do: Use strong passwords, set up two-factor authentification on all your accounts, and check your bank statements regularly. If something appears off, Contact Langley or your card issuer immediately.

When Scams Become High-Tech

Scammers are getting creative with artificial intelligence (AI), and some tricks are showing up in real student inboxes and social media feeds. Think: AI-generated emails that perfectly mimic a delivery service, fake social media messages from “friends” asking for money, or even chatbots pretending to be customer support. These messages look convincing because AI can replicate logos, writing style, and even tone. In fact, phishing attacks surged by 692% around Black Friday in 2024, according to recent data. (Holiday Scams | Scamwatch HQ)

What to do: Pause before you click, check for small errors like grammar, odd phrasing, or logos that look “off,” and avoid sending money or personal information to unsolicited contacts.

Take Back the Holidays With Langley!

At Langley Federal Credit Union, your security is our top priority. Here are a few things you can do (with our support) to stay safer this season:

Report anything suspicious: Reach out to us if you get a sketchy delivery text or email using your Langley credentials.
Freeze or monitor your card: If you think something’s off, we can help you block it or set up real-time alerts.
Use secure channels: Always use Langley's Official Website or Digital Banking App to check your accounts; always avoid clicking links in unverified messages.

The holiday season is for joy, not for cleaning up scam fallout. Before you click: pause, verify, and protect yourself. Your money (and peace of mind) will thank you.