Swipe Smart This Christmas: A Guide to Staying Safe from Card Fraud During the Festive Rush

As the festive season begins and the countdown to Christmas quickens, many of us are preparing for travel, family gatherings, and the familiar rush of holiday spending. It is precisely in these moments of increased spending and lowered vigilance that fraudulent activity tends to spike.

The 2025 Financial Sector Stability Report by the Central Bank of Kenya notes that financial losses from cyber fraud in the banking sector nearly quadrupled in 2024, reaching KES 1.5 billion. With a growing reliance on cards, mobile, and online banking, scammers exploit moments of distraction, using tactics that feel urgent, familiar, or convenient.

Protecting your cards during the festive season requires diligence. Always shop on verified websites or with reputable sellers, avoid clicking on unsolicited links from emails, texts, or social media, set up bank alerts to monitor transactions in real-time, and keep your apps and devices updated to the latest security standards.

“The holiday season is peak time for holiday-themed phishing scams, SIM-swap fraud, and social-engineering tactics that target unsuspecting people as they shop for the festivities,” explains Charity Muchiri, Assistant Manager of Cards Business at Family Bank.

By understanding the uses and risks of each type of card, and by taking proactive steps to protect your money, you can enjoy the festive season safely. With awareness and caution, shopping, travelling, and celebrating can be both joyful and secure.

Debit Cards

Debit cards allow you to spend money directly from your bank account, making them convenient for everyday purchases like groceries, transport, and small gifts. During the festive season, they are ideal for quick payments at shops, restaurants, or online stores. However, it’s wise not to keep all your funds on a single debit card. Spread your money across accounts or use a combination of cards to minimize the impact if a card is lost, stolen, or compromised. Always monitor transactions regularly and set up instant alerts for every purchase to spot any unusual activity immediately.

Credit Cards

Credit cards let you borrow money from your bank and repay it later, helping build a good credit history. They are especially useful for larger purchases during the festive season, such as electronics, travel bookings, or online shopping sprees. Many credit cards also offer perks like reward points, cashback, or extended warranties, which can be a bonus during holiday spending. However, be cautious about overspending, accumulating debt can quickly outweigh the benefits. Always pay attention to your credit limit, review statements regularly, and report any unfamiliar transactions promptly.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards offer a safer alternative to debit and credit cards, as they only allow spending of the money loaded onto them. This makes them excellent tools for budgeting, controlling holiday expenses, or giving as gifts. They are also perfect for travel, as they reduce exposure of your main bank account while abroad. Parents can use them to provide children with limited spending money during holiday trips or outings.

“In the last two years, about 30 per cent of Family Bank’s prepaid cards have been issued to minors given that it is a safer alternative to debit cards. This trend reflects the growing need for safe, trackable, and limited-use payment options for young spenders, especially during the holiday season,” said Ms Muchiri.

Even though prepaid cards are safer, lost or stolen cards can still be misused, so treat them with care and check balances regularly.

Multicurrency Cards

For those travelling internationally during the festive season, multicurrency cards are designed to make spending abroad convenient and cost-effective. They allow you to hold multiple currencies, avoid high foreign transaction fees, and sometimes offer additional perks like airport lounge access. These cards are ideal for shopping overseas, paying for hotels, or dining in foreign countries. Keep in mind, however, that if a multicurrency card is lost or stolen abroad, recovering funds can be more complex, so always carry backup payment options and notify your bank of your travel plans.

Virtual Cards

Virtual cards are digital-only cards generated specifically for online purchases. Each transaction uses a unique card number, expiration date, and security code, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud. They are perfect for online shopping during the festive season, especially for gift purchases, subscriptions, or e-commerce platforms you do not frequently use. While very secure, virtual cards can still be at risk if your online banking credentials are compromised. To stay safe, ensure strong, unique passwords for your banking apps, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid using public Wi-Fi when shopping online.

By understanding the purpose and risks of each type of card, and by taking simple precautions, you can shop, travel, and celebrate this festive season with confidence and peace of mind. Remember to contact your bank immediately if you notice unfamiliar or suspicious transactions, safeguard your passwords and avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions and monitor your accounts regularly and report any unusual activity promptly.

Read Also: Bridging Imagination And Reality This Festive Season with Galaxy AI