Money Smarts Blog

The holidays are supposed to be about twinkle lights, sugar cookies, and maybe a little Mariah Carey on repeat, not chasing down fraudulent charges on your debit card. Unfortunately, scammers don’t take a holiday vacation. In fact, they love this season even more because they know everyone is distracted, shopping more, and swiping faster than Santa can say “Ho ho hold on a second.”

As someone who has been on both sides, first as a police officer and now as your friendly neighborhood fraud investigator, I can tell you one thing: fraudsters are clever, but we can be even cleverer. I’m sharing my top tips to keep your holidays merry and secure.

Holiday fraud survival guide

1. Use your debit card like eggnog: sparingly: Debit cards connect directly to your checking account, which makes them a prime target. Whenever possible, use credit instead for online purchases. If something goes wrong, it is easier to dispute.

2. Shop only where you would trust Santa’s elves: If a website looks sketchier than a last-minute mall kiosk, don’t enter your card number. Stick to retailers you know, and make sure the website has “https://” because that little “s” stands for secure.

3. Guard your card like the last cookie on the plate: Never let your card out of sight when paying in person. Skimmers, which are little devices that steal your information, love to hide in gas pumps and ATMs. Give the machine a quick wiggle before you swipe. If it feels loose or strange, walk away.

4. Alerts are your holiday helper: Set up debit card alerts through online banking or our mobile banking app. You’ll get a text or email every time your card is used. Think of it like Rudolph’s red nose, lighting the way and warning you if something is off.

5. Do not overshare your wishlist: Scammers love personal details. Be cautious about sharing too much on social media like your pet’s name, your mom’s maiden name, or “Fun fact: I was born in ___.” Those can double as security question answers.

6. Trust your gut and call me if you need help: If something feels off, do not ignore it. Call us right away. It is always better to check in and be safe than to let fraudsters sneak down your financial chimney.

The bottom line

Fraudsters want your holidays to be stressful. I want them to be joyful. A few smart moves with your debit card can keep the Grinch out of your wallet and leave more room for peppermint mochas, ugly sweaters, and maybe a gift or two for yourself.

Stay safe, shop smart, and keep your money where it belongs, with you.