Scam-Proof Your Holidays
As the holiday season rolls around, many of us are focused on gift shopping, holiday travel, and festive gatherings with family and friends. Unfortunately, scammers are just as busy this time of year, using common holiday habits to steal personal information, financial details, and even hard-earned cash. To keep you safe this season, here’s a rundown of the top holiday scams to watch for and some practical tips to avoid them.
Common Types of Holiday Scams
1. Fake Charities and Donation Scams
The holiday season is one of the most popular times for charitable giving, and scammers know it. Fake charities often pop up online, in social media ads, and even through unsolicited phone calls, asking for donations that go nowhere but their pockets.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify the charity by checking for a tax ID or using trusted sites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
- Beware of urgent pleas for immediate donations. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency.
- Don’t give over the phone. Instead, go directly to the charity’s official website to donate.
2. Package Delivery Scams
With online shopping at an all-time high during the holidays, fake package delivery notifications are on the rise. These scams often involve a text, email, or call claiming there’s an issue with a package, asking you to click a link or provide personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages about packages.
- Track packages independently by logging into your online account with the retailer or delivery service.
- Ignore suspicious messages and delete them. Legitimate delivery services won’t ask for personal information or payment via text or email.
3. Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are popular during the holiday season, and scammers often find ways to trick people into buying them fraudulently. One common scam involves scammers posing as family, friends, or co-workers, asking for gift cards to “help with a holiday surprise.”
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never purchase gift cards for someone who requests them through email or text, especially if they want you to send the card numbers or codes.
- Buy gift cards directly from reputable stores and check to see if the protective layer on the back has been tampered with.
- Don’t send photos of gift cards, as this gives scammers access to the funds.
4. Online Shopping Scams
Fake ads for holiday deals and discounts can appear on social media, through email, and even in web searches. These ads may link to fake websites that look like legitimate online stores, tricking people into paying for goods they’ll never receive.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Shop only on reputable websites with secure payment portals (look for “https” in the web address).
- Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or sketchy links for “unbelievable” deals.
- Use a credit card rather than a debit card, as credit cards offer more fraud protection.
5. Holiday Travel Scams
For those planning holiday travel, scammers often create fake travel deals, “special offers,” or rental property listings that don’t exist. This scam often involves asking for a deposit or payment upfront through untraceable payment methods.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Book travel only through reputable travel websites or well-known companies.
- Beware of deals that seem too good to be true—they likely are.
- Never wire money or use non-traditional payment methods for travel expenses.
6. Holiday E-Card Scams
Digital holiday cards are a fun way to connect with loved ones, but some e-cards contain malicious links that install malware on your computer or device.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Only open e-cards from people you know.
- Check the sender’s email address for unusual domains or misspellings.
- Avoid clicking on links if the message seems suspicious, and delete the email if anything seems off.
7. Social Media and Online Marketplace Scams
Scammers often use social media and online marketplaces to post fake sales, raffle drawings, or “holiday giveaways” that require you to fill out personal information or pay a small fee to participate.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify the legitimacy of contests and giveaways before entering.
- Be cautious of people offering highly discounted products on social media groups or local marketplaces.
- Avoid giving out your personal information for online forms unless you know and trust the company.
Protect Yourself from Scams this Holiday Season
In addition to the specific scams above, here are some general tips to help you stay safe and avoid holiday scams altogether:
- Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
If any of your accounts get compromised, scammers can do a lot of damage quickly. Make sure your passwords are unique, and use two-step authentication for an extra layer of security. - Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements to spot any unusual activity early. If your credit union offers fraud alerts or credit monitoring, consider signing up. - Stay Alert and Informed
Scammers are constantly coming up with new tricks, so being aware of the latest scams can help you avoid falling victim. Stay informed, and share this information with friends and family to help keep everyone safe. - Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping
If you’re shopping online or checking sensitive information, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks that may not be secure. Use your home network or mobile data instead.
While the holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate, it’s also a time to be cautious. Staying informed about common scams can save you money, time, and a lot of headaches.
Remember, COPFCU is here to help—if you suspect you’ve been scammed or need assistance with a transaction, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re committed to keeping your finances safe.
For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, please visit our fraud resources page.
Related Content