Online Shopping Safety: Tips for Secure Transactions

Online shopping is ridiculously convenient. You can compare prices, read reviews, and check out without ever leaving the couch. But behind all those “Buy Now” buttons are scammers, fake websites, and hackers hoping you’ll let your guard down for just one click.
If you’re using your debit or credit card online, especially for holiday shopping or big purchases, a few smart habits can go a long way toward protecting your money and your identity.

Here are practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you shop safely online and keep your 1st Community Credit Union accounts secure.

Why Online Shopping Safety Matters

Online shopping isn’t going anywhere. Unfortunately, neither are online scams. Cybercriminals create fake websites, send phishing emails, and try to trick people into sharing card numbers, passwords, and one-time codes. During major sales and holiday seasons, there are often spikes in fraudulent websites and phishing campaigns as criminals try to take advantage of the rush and “too good to be true” deals.

The good news? Most online fraud relies on someone clicking a bad link, using a weak password, or entering information on an unsafe site. That means you have more control than you might think. A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Tip #1: Shop Only on Secure, Trusted Websites

Before you type in your card number, pause and check where you are.

•    Look for “https” and the padlock. The web address (URL) should start with https:// and show a small padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This means your information is encrypted as it travels from your computer to the website’s server.
•    Watch out for look-alike URLs. Scammers create spoofed websites that look almost identical to real ones, sometimes changing just one letter or adding extra words to the address. Always double-check the spelling and domain (for example, .com vs. .net). If you clicked a link from an email or ad, consider closing it and typing the store’s name directly into your browser instead.
•    Stick with reputable retailers. Well-known brands and local businesses you recognize are generally safer than unfamiliar sites with little or no history. If you’re trying a new site, search for reviews, look them up on Google Maps, or check for a physical address and real contact information.
•    Be cautious with “too good to be true” deals. If a price is unrealistically low or a site is pushing countdown timers and pressure tactics, that’s a red flag. Scammers rely on urgency to get you to act before you think.

1st Community Credit Union even highlights fake shopping site scams and encourages members to be skeptical of unrealistic offers and to verify website URLs before shopping. Your best move: slow down, check the site, and only buy from businesses you trust.

Tip #2: Use Strong Passwords and Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

Many online stores ask you to create an account so you can track orders or save your shipping info. That’s convenient – but it also means another username and password to protect.

•    Create strong, unique passwords. Use long passwords or passphrases that combine upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid anything easy to guess, like your pet’s name, “password123,” or reusing the same password across multiple websites.
•    Use a password manager. Password managers generate and store complex passwords for you, so you don’t have to remember them all. That way, if one website is compromised, the damage doesn’t automatically spread to your other accounts.
•    Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) when available. Many retailers, email providers, and financial apps let you add a second step – like a code sent by text or generated in an app – when you log in. That extra layer makes it much harder for someone to get into your account, even if they somehow get your password.

And remember: never share your one-time codes with anyone. If someone calls, emails, or texts you asking for a verification code, hang up or ignore the message and contact the company directly using a trusted phone number or website.

Tip #3: Protect Your Devices and Connections

Online security isn’t just about the website – it’s also about the device and network you’re using.

•    Keep your software up to date. Install updates for your phone, tablet, computer, browser, and security apps. Those updates often fix security vulnerabilities that hackers target.
•    Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels is convenient, but it’s often not secure. It’s safer to shop using your home Wi-Fi or your phone’s cellular data. If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid entering any financial or personal information, or use a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
•    Use security tools. Turn on built-in security features like firewalls and install trusted antivirus or anti-malware software. These tools can help block malicious downloads and suspicious activity.

1st Community Credit Union also encourages members to secure their devices and be cautious about where and how they access online banking and shopping sites. A secure device plus a secure connection equals a safer transaction.

Tip #4: Choose Safer Payment Methods

How you pay online matters just as much as where you shop.

•    Use credit or debit cards with fraud protection. Many cards offer zero-liability protection for unauthorized charges, especially when you report them quickly. Check with 1st Community Credit Union to understand the protections that come with your debit and credit cards and how to report suspicious activity.
•    Consider digital wallets. Services like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or other digital wallets use tokenization, which means your actual card number isn’t shared with the merchant. Instead, a one-time code is used for the transaction, reducing the risk if the retailer’s system is compromised. More on Digital Wallet.
•    Avoid wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, or apps for unknown sellers. Scammers love payment methods that are hard to reverse. If a seller insists on being paid in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a person-to-person payment app for a purchase, that’s a major red flag.
Whenever possible, use the payment options that give you the best protection and dispute rights. And never store your card details on websites you don’t fully trust.

Tip #5: Spot Phishing Emails, Texts, and Fake Messages

Many online shopping scams start before you ever open a browser. They arrive via email, text message, or even social media.

•    Be skeptical of unexpected messages. If you get an email or text about a failed delivery, order confirmation you don’t recognize, or an “urgent” account problem, don’t click the link. Go directly to the company’s official website or app and check your account from there.
•    Check the sender. Fake emails often come from addresses that look close to the real thing but aren’t quite right. The same goes for text messages with odd links or generic greetings like “Dear Customer.”
•    Know what your credit union will (and won’t) ask. 1st Community Credit Union makes it clear they will never email you asking for your full account number, online banking password, PIN, or one-time access codes. If you get a message claiming to be from 1st CCU that asks for that kind of information, it’s a scam. Delete it and call the credit union directly using the number on their website or the back of your card.

If something feels off, trust your instincts. A few extra seconds of caution can save you hours of frustration later.

Tip #6: Monitor Your Accounts and Act Quickly

Even if you do everything right, it’s still important to keep an eye on your accounts. The faster you spot suspicious activity, the faster you can shut it down.

•    Check your statements regularly. Log in to online or mobile banking to review recent transactions. Look for small “test” charges or unfamiliar purchases – scammers often start small before trying something bigger.
•    Lock your card with Card Controls. If you spot a transaction you don’t recognize, you can use Card Controls in 1st Community Credit Union’s online or mobile banking to temporarily lock your card. Locking your card helps put the brakes on any new transactions until you can contact 1st CCU or Cardholder Services to research the charges.
•    Set up alerts. Many financial institutions, including 1st Community Credit Union, offer account and card alerts by text or email. These can notify you when a purchase is made, when your balance drops below a certain amount, or when there’s a login from a new device. Those real-time alerts can help you catch fraud twice as fast as waiting for a monthly statement. Check out our How-To Video for customizing eAlerts.
•    Report issues immediately. If you spot a suspicious transaction or think you entered your card information on a fake website, contact 1st CCU right away. If you notice suspicious or fraudulent charges after hours or on the weekend, you can call the Cardholder Services phone number on the back of your card for help with reporting and/or disputing those charges.

Don’t feel embarrassed if you think you’ve been scammed – it happens to smart, careful people every day. What matters most is how quickly you respond.

How 1st Community Credit Union Helps You Shop Securely

You don’t have to handle online safety alone. As your financial partner, 1st Community Credit Union provides tools and support to help you stay protected:

•    Online and mobile banking. Easily monitor your accounts, review transactions, and move money securely from your phone or computer.
•    Account and card alerts. Get notifications about purchases, low balances, or unusual activity so you can respond quickly if something doesn’t look right.
•    Fraud monitoring and support. 1st CCU and their card processor keep an eye out for suspicious transactions and may contact you if something seems unusual. If you ever share information by mistake or suspect fraud, they encourage you to call right away so they can help protect your accounts.
•    Educational resources. The credit union regularly shares tips on avoiding scams, recognizing fake shopping sites, and protecting your personal information.

When you combine safe online habits with the security features built into your 1st CCU accounts, you dramatically reduce your risk and shop with more confidence.

Bottom Line: Stay Smart, Stay Secure, Enjoy the Convenience

Online shopping should make life easier, not more stressful. By choosing trusted websites, protecting your passwords, using secure connections, watching for scams, locking your card when needed, and keeping a close eye on your accounts, you can enjoy the convenience without putting your money or identity at unnecessary risk.

If you have questions about a transaction, a suspicious message, or how to use 1st Community Credit Union’s digital tools to protect yourself, reach out to the 1st CCU team. They’re here to help you shop smarter and keep your financial information safe – season after season.

Simple steps like using secure websites and strong passwords can help keep your online shopping transactions safe.