featured
2025-11-12
11/12/2025
Financial Education
published
As the holiday season approaches, it's a time for celebration, generosity—and unfortunately, increased fraud activity.
At Guardian Credit Union, your security is our top priority. Here are our top tips to help you stay safe and secure while shopping and celebrating this season:
Holiday Fraud & Cybersecurity Tips
1. Watch for Phishing Scams
Be cautious of emails, texts, or calls that ask for personal or financial information. Always verify the sender before clicking links or downloading attachments.
2. Beware of Spoofed Messages
Fraudsters can make emails and texts look like they’re from trusted sources. If something feels off, don’t click. Contact us directly at 334–244-9999.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable Biometrics
Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Consider using a password manager to keep your credentials secure.
Enable biometrics for your device to use fingerprint, face, and other physical characteristics for authentication.
4. Shop on Secure Websites
Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser bar before entering payment information.
5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Check your bank and credit card statements frequently for unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts to stay informed in real time.
6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions
Public networks can be a hotspot for cybercriminals.
Use a VPN or wait until you're on a secure connection to make purchases or check your accounts.
7. Update Your Devices
Ensure your phone, tablet, and computer have the latest security updates and antivirus software installed.
Visit our Guardian Security Center for more tips and information on how you can stay safe, as well as how Guardian is working hard to protect you.