Don't Be Fooled by Fraud this Holiday Season
November 20, 2025
The holidays should be joyful, but scammers see the holiday shopping season as an opportunity. As spending ramps up, so will the fraud attempts. At NASA Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you recognize common signs of fraud and protect what matters most: your financial well-being.
Below are some commonly used tactics to be aware of this holiday season:
Verification Code Sharing & Impersonation
Receiving and then sharing verification codes is the easiest way to allow fraudsters access to your account. Do not share codes with anyone. In this example, a fraudster with a foreign phone number, sends a bogus verification code posing as a company. Regardless of whether you have an account or not, when you call the phone number, a fraudster will ask you questions in hopes of gaining access to your information and inevitably, your money. Simply delete and block.
Account or Delivery Issues That Need Immediate Attention
Urgency is a scammer's secret weapon. They count on impulse and want you to act without thinking. If you receive an urgent message claiming there is a problem with your account or a delivery – especially from an unknown source – pause. Do not click links or provide any information. If you're truly unsure, contact the company or delivery service directly using trusted sources.
Social Media "Too Good to Be True" Advertisements
It's no surprise that criminals are utilzing artificial intelligence to deploy fake ads on social media platforms. These ads may offer large-sum gift cards, miracle products, guaranteed investment returns, or access to hard-to-get toys/items. Be very cautious of ads with big promises, research the product or company before purchasing, and don't click unfamiliar links in ads.
This Holiday Season, Stay Vigilant in the Fight Against Fraud
Like the examples above, if you receive a call, text, or email that you think may not really be from NASA Federal, DO NOT RESPOND. If you're unsure, send us a direct message inside Online or Mobile Banking.
The best way to fight against fraud is to pause and think. Do not click links, open attachments, or provide other personal information like passwords, PINs, or account numbers. Simply delete.
If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam or suspect fraud on your account, contact us immediately.
