Avoid Scams This Holiday Season

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, warmth, and—let’s be honest—a bit of splurging. After all, it’s the season of giving! But unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers to pounce on unsuspecting shoppers. Each year, cybercriminals get craftier with their tactics, launching a whirlwind of fake ads, phishing emails, and bogus charities aimed at duping people out of their hard-earned money. From the subtle bait-and-switch to full-blown identity theft, holiday scams can quickly turn festive cheer into frustration and financial headaches.

So, what can you do to keep yourself and your wallet safe during the most wonderful time of the year? No worries—we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some real, practical strategies for avoiding scams during the holidays, so you can shop, celebrate, and sleep soundly.

Why Are Scams So Common During the Holidays?

Holiday scams spike for a few reasons. For starters, many of us are in a rush to buy gifts, plan parties, and make donations, which makes us a little more vulnerable to quick decisions. Add the pressure of finding that “perfect gift” and voila—the stage is set for cyber trickery and deception.

Another reason? Scammers know that this time of year is marked by increased online shopping and charitable donations. This season alone, Americans spend billions of dollars, making it an absolute goldmine for fraudsters.

Let's break down how to steer clear of some of the most common scams this season.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For

The first step to staying safe is knowing what to look out for. Here are some of the top holiday scams making the rounds:

1. Fake Online Retailers

Ever found an online deal that seemed too good to be true? Well, it probably was. Fake retail websites pop up in droves during the holidays, offering enticing discounts on hot items. These sites mimic popular retailers, but they’re just fronts for collecting payment information, and sometimes, even stealing identities.

How to spot a fake retailer:

Check the URL: Legit sites will often have a “lock” symbol in the address bar (https://), indicating a secure connection. Suspicious sites may lack this or use an odd spelling of a popular retailer’s name.
Look for reviews: A quick search can reveal if a site is legitimate. Look for verified customer feedback.
Inspect the site’s content: If it’s loaded with poor grammar or awkward phrases, it could be a red flag.

2. Phishing Emails and Text Messages

During the holidays, our inboxes are flooded with promotions. Scammers know this and often create emails or texts that look like they’re from your favorite store, bank, or even the post office. These messages contain links that, when clicked, take you to fake sites designed to steal your information.

Spotting phishing attempts:

Poor language use: Misspellings and awkward wording can signal a phishing attempt.
Sense of urgency: Phrases like “Act now!” or “Limited time only!” often indicate a scam.
Suspicious links: Hover over links to see where they actually lead. If the URL looks strange, don’t click.

3. Fake Charity Appeals

Scammers often capitalize on the spirit of giving, setting up fake charities to collect donations. These phony charities might call, email, or even go door-to-door, asking for support for various causes.

How to verify a charity:

Check with watchdog sites: Websites like Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance offer info on legitimate charities.
Be cautious of high-pressure tactics: Real charities won’t force you to donate immediately.
Ask for details: Get the charity’s name and research it. Scammers often use names similar to well-known organizations.

4. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a popular holiday gift, but they’ve also become a prime target for fraud. Scammers often tamper with gift cards in stores or call people asking for gift card codes as a “form of payment” to settle supposed debts.

Protecting yourself from gift card fraud:

Only buy gift cards from reputable retailers.
Inspect the card: Check the packaging and the back of the card for signs of tampering.
Never share gift card codes: If someone asks for these codes as a form of payment, it’s a scam.

5. Package Delivery Scams

With so many packages on the way, it’s easy to fall for fake delivery notifications. These scams often involve messages claiming your package is delayed or needs to be redelivered, prompting you to click on a link that leads to a phishing site.

Avoiding delivery scams:

Track packages yourself: Use tracking info provided by legitimate retailers.
Be cautious of unsolicited messages: Major carriers won’t ask you to confirm deliveries via random texts.
Check the source: Go directly to the carrier’s website rather than following links in messages.

Top Tips for Avoiding Scams During the Holidays

Want to stay scam-free this season? Here are some solid strategies:

Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid using bank transfers or debit cards when possible. Credit cards and payment services like PayPal offer more protection against fraud.
Stay Updated on Scams: Scammers adapt their tactics, so keep an eye out for any new schemes circulating.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding a second layer of security to your accounts can stop scammers in their tracks, even if they have your password.
Keep Personal Info Private: Be cautious about sharing personal details over the phone, email, or social media. Scammers can use this information for social engineering schemes.
Verify Before You Donate: If you’re giving to a charity, verify it’s legitimate. Avoid cash donations or providing your personal bank information.

Online Shopping Safety: How to Avoid Scams During the Holidays

Since most of us do a lot of holiday shopping online these days, let’s talk about safe practices for e-commerce.

Use Reputable Sites

Stick to well-known retailers or trusted smaller businesses you’ve shopped with before. If you’re exploring a new site, make sure it has verifiable contact information and SSL encryption (look for “https” in the URL).

Beware of Pop-Up Ads

During the holidays, ads offering irresistible deals are everywhere. Be wary of clicking on pop-ups, as these can sometimes lead to malware-ridden sites.

Don’t Fall for “Last-Minute Deal” Pressure

Scammers often push a sense of urgency, saying things like, “Only a few items left!” or “Deal ends in an hour!” Take your time and research the seller before making a purchase.

Quick Holiday Scam Red Flags

Here’s a quick list of common red flags to watch out for:

Deals that seem too good to be true
Emails from unknown senders with clickable links
Sites with little to no customer service contact info
Requests for payment via gift cards, prepaid cards, or wire transfers
Pressure to act immediately or lose out

FAQ: How to Avoid Scams During the Holidays

1. What should I do if I suspect a scam?

If you suspect you’re dealing with a scam, stop engaging with the source immediately. Don’t click on links or provide personal information. Report the scam to the relevant platform (e.g., a social media site, retail site, or your bank).

2. Are there safe ways to donate to charities online?

Yes, absolutely! Stick to reputable donation platforms or the charity’s official website. Use credit cards or PayPal for added protection, and double-check the organization’s legitimacy.

3. How can I tell if a website is secure?

Look for “https” at the start of the URL, along with a lock icon. Legitimate websites also tend to have clear customer service information and a professional layout.

4. What if I accidentally click on a phishing link?

If you clicked on a phishing link, run a security scan on your device immediately. Change any potentially compromised passwords, and monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.

5. Are phone calls asking for donations safe?

Not always. Scammers use phone calls to impersonate charities or service providers. If you’re interested in donating, hang up and contact the charity directly through their official channels.

Conclusion

The holidays are a wonderful time to spread joy and make memories, but don’t let scammers steal your festive spirit. By staying aware of common scams, practicing safe online shopping habits, and double-checking charitable donations, you can avoid becoming a target. Remember, if something seems off, it probably is. This holiday season, trust your instincts and keep your defenses up. That way, you’ll stay safe, secure, and free to enjoy all the magic the holidays have to offer.

So go ahead—shop, celebrate, and spread cheer, knowing you’re one step ahead of the scammers. Happy holidays, and stay safe!

Sean Kramer