Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Season

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As holiday cheer fills the air, so do the schemes of scammers looking to cash in on your festivities. The holiday season brings joy, connection, and celebration, but it also creates a prime opportunity for scammers to prey on busy, generous, and sometimes unsuspecting holiday shoppers. This year, take a moment to educate yourself and protect your loved ones from the sophisticated scams that surge during this time. Here are the top holiday scams to watch out for and practical ways to avoid them.

1. Fake Online Stores

With online shopping at an all-time high, scammers have become skilled at creating fake websites that look just like legitimate retailers. These sites often advertise “unbeatable” discounts on popular products, drawing in shoppers looking to stretch their budgets. Unfortunately, these “deals” often end in disappointment, with shoppers receiving fake products — or nothing at all.

Last year, a New York consumer purchased an $800 designer bag through a Facebook ad, only to receive a low-quality knockoff worth about $20. She wasn’t alone; the FTC reports that over 50,000 complaints of fraudulent online sales were filed during the 2022 holiday season.

Tip:

Before buying from any unfamiliar site, verify the URL and look for secure browsing indicators (like HTTPS). Read customer reviews, and stick to reputable retailers whenever possible. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Phishing Emails and Texts

Holiday shoppers are frequently targeted with phishing emails or texts impersonating major brands, claiming an issue with a recent order or a “special deal” they can’t miss. These messages often contain malicious links designed to steal personal information or install malware.

Imagine receiving an email from “Amazon” saying, “There’s an issue with your recent order; click here to resolve it.” During the holidays, phishing emails and texts from scammers impersonating retailers increase by over 60%, resulting in financial losses for thousands of victims who unknowingly share credit card information on fake sites.

Tip:

Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Verify by visiting the official website or contacting customer service directly if you’re unsure about a message’s legitimacy.

3. Fake Charities

The holiday season inspires generosity, which is why scammers often set up fake charities to exploit this spirit of giving. Using emotional appeals, they manipulate people into donating money that goes straight into the scammer’s pocket.

For example, a California woman donated $200 to a “charity” supporting local wildfire relief, only to discover it was a scam. The FTC warns that charity scams rise by 40% during the holidays, preying on well-meaning donors.

Tip:

Research charities before donating. Websites like Charity Navigator and GuideStar offer insights into legitimate charities. Be especially cautious of new charities or those that pressure you to donate immediately.

4. Delivery Scams

As holiday shopping surges, so do delivery scams. Scammers send fake notifications, often claiming there’s a problem with a package delivery, and ask recipients to click a link or enter personal information.

Last season, a Texas man received a text claiming his package was delayed and asked to confirm his details. Hours later, he discovered multiple unauthorized charges on his bank account. Delivery scams rose by 75% last holiday season, often tricking victims into giving away personal information.

Tip:

Avoid clicking links in delivery notifications. Instead, track your packages directly through official websites like UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Be wary of any messages asking for personal information.

5. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a popular holiday choice, but they’re also a favorite tool for scammers. Some scammers impersonate businesses or government agencies, demanding payment via gift cards. Others tamper with cards in stores, draining the balance as soon as they’re activated.

The FTC reported $148 million in losses due to gift card scams last holiday season alone.

Tip:

Only buy gift cards from reputable stores, and be cautious of any requests for payment via gift card, especially over the phone. Inspect cards for tampering before purchasing.

6. Travel Scams

Many families travel for the holidays, and scammers are ready with fake booking websites and advertisements that offer too-good-to-be-true discounts on flights, hotels, and rentals. When travelers arrive, they often find their reservations are nonexistent.

In 2022, a family lost $3,000 to a rental property scam when they arrived to find their booking didn’t exist. According to the Better Business Bureau, travel scams spike by 35% during the holidays, with scammers often asking for unconventional payment methods.

Tip:

Use trusted booking websites, or contact airlines and hotels directly. Be wary of unusually steep discounts, as these can be a sign of a scam.

7. Social Media Scams

Scammers also use social media to promote fake sales, giveaways, and holiday events. Last year, a Florida man thought he won a holiday giveaway but was asked to pay a “processing fee” before collecting his prize. By the time he realized it was a scam, he was $500 poorer.

According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, social media scams increase by 20% each holiday season.

Tip:

Verify social media accounts before engaging with any offers or giveaways. Legitimate brand accounts usually have a verified checkmark, and genuine promotions can often be cross-checked on the brand’s official website.

8. What resources are available to help you avoid scammers?

Books

Scam 2022: An Exposition to Scam and How Not to be the Next Victim by Effie Manolas

Videos

Useful Links

While it’s essential to spread joy and kindness, a little caution during the holiday season can protect your festive spirit from scams. Scammers are constantly developing new tactics, but by educating yourself and sharing these tips with loved ones, you can help protect everyone from becoming a holiday statistic. Let’s make this season safe and joyful for all.

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Season!