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December 22, 2025
Holiday Scam Alert: What to Watch for This Season
Kim Tinney
Director, Risk & Compliance
The holidays are a busy time, not just for shopping, but unfortunately for scammers too. While the tactics may sound familiar, we continue to see the same types of scams surface every year, often with small twists designed to catch people off guard.
One of the most common scams starts with a call or text claiming there’s a suspicious transaction on your account. The message may look urgent and ask you to “verify” a charge. From there, the scammer often follows up with a phone call and begins requesting sensitive information.
We’re seeing scammers ask for:
- Debit card numbers
- Online banking (YOUR$) usernames and passwords
- One-time passcodes or multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes
Recently, scammers have been requesting debit card numbers more frequently, since they can sometimes use the card directly without needing online banking access.
In other cases, members report being told to:
- Purchase gift cards (such as Chime or Cash App gift cards)
- Send money through PayPal, Cash App, or similar services
- Complete a “test” transaction to supposedly block or secure their card
These requests are major red flags. Legitimate financial institutions will never ask for your full debit card number, online banking credentials, MFA codes, or ask you to move money or buy gift cards to “fix” an issue.
How to Protect Yourself
- Don’t share personal or banking information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly
- Be cautious of urgent messages pressuring you to act quickly
- If something feels off, stop and contact your credit union directly using a trusted phone number
If you ever receive a suspicious call, text, or message, reach out to us right away. We’re here to help you keep your accounts, and your holidays, safe.
All Perks, Perks Plus, and Perks Platinum Checking Accounts Come With Protection
If you are an owner of a Perks, Perks Plus, or Perks Platinum Checking Account, you are covered with ID Theft Aid, including:
- Identity Restoration
- Payment Card Protection
To take advantage of these benefits, just tap “ID Theft Aid” in the TVFCU Perks App, or call BaZing Customer Service at 855-822-9464.
