As we transition from Black Friday and Cyber Monday into the heart of the holiday shopping season, it’s important to balance our festive enthusiasm with a measure of caution. While most of us are focused on finding the perfect gifts and enjoying the season, it’s also a time when scammers are particularly active, seeking to exploit the holiday rush.
Nobody wants their holiday cheer dampened by falling victim to a scam. Nonetheless, it’s a possibility we must consider. These scammers are not just after a quick buck; they can cause significant financial harm and even steal identities.
As we embrace the holiday festivities, it’s wise to stay informed about the types of scams that are common during this time of year. So, let’s take a closer look at what to watch out for so we can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Top 10 Holiday Scams of 2023
To help you stay safe, here’s a list of the top holiday scams, along with a few tips about how to avoid them:
1 | Phishing Emails from Popular Stores
It’s common to receive emails from brands like Amazon or Apple, but scammers often mimic these emails during the holidays to steal information or money. Always double-check the source of any suspicious offers or links. Reach out to the company directly if something doesn’t feel right.
2 | Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are a hot target for scammers due to their popularity and ease of use. Not only that, but they’re easily transferable and equivalent to cash. Make sure to purchase them from trusted retailers and check for any signs of tampering. It’s best to avoid buying gift cards from auction sites or unofficial sellers.
3 | Deceptive Social Media Ads
Scammers are clever with their social media ads, creating tempting offers that lead to fake products or stores. Don’t let the appearance of legitimacy on social media fool you. Do a bit of digging into the site or store linked in the ad before making any purchases.
4 | Missed Delivery Scams
With so many online orders during the holidays, fake delivery notifications are a common scam tactic. If you get an unexpected delivery message, don’t click any links. Instead, visit the delivery company’s official site to confirm its authenticity.
5| Job Offer Scams
Lots of brands are hiring seasonal help during the holidays. Be cautious with job offers that seem too perfect, though, especially if they require personal information upfront. Take the time to research the company and the specifics of the offer to make sure everything checks out.
6 | Family Emergency Scams
These scams often target seniors with urgent requests for money, supposedly from family members. Always verify such requests by directly contacting the family member in question. A family “passcode” for emergencies can be a smart safety measure; asking the other person to verify this password can detect impostors.
7 | Airline Scams
This is peak travel season, and scammers are looking to take advantage of bargain hunters. Watch out for deals on flights that seem too good to be true. Book directly with known airlines or reputable agents. Reach out via official channels to confirm any unexpected travel messages to avoid falling for a scam.
8 | Discounts from Bogus Stores
If an online deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Be cautious of stores offering unusually high discounts. Look for tell-tale signs like poor website design, spelling mistakes, or missing contact information. Also, stick to shopping with well-known and trusted retailers whenever possible.
9 | Fake Charities
The holiday season often inspires generosity, but be careful where you direct your goodwill. Scammers may set up fake charities to exploit your charity. Before donating, check the organization’s credentials through respected organizations like the Better Business Bureau or Charity Navigator.
10 | Improbable Deals
Be particularly wary of heavily discounted items on sites like Facebook Marketplace. If a deal looks suspicious, especially if the seller is pushing for payment through non-traditional methods like Zelle or Cash App, it’s worth doing some research into both the seller and the product.
Holiday Best Practices for Consumers
Keeping these tips in mind can help you enjoy the festive season without the worry of falling prey to common scams. Stay alert, ask questions, and trust your instincts to have a safe and happy holiday shopping experience.
That said, it’s always better to try to avoid an issue, rather than tackle damage control after the fact. With your newfound knowledge of common holiday scams, it’s smart to tread cautiously in the realm of online shopping, not just during the festive season but all year round.
Here are a few tips to keep you safe:
Spot Reliable Websites
Look for a padlock symbol in the website’s URL, signaling a secure connection. Don’t stop there, though; be alert for red flags like typos, odd layouts, poor design, or missing contact information that could indicate a fraudulent site.
Do Your Homework on Retailers
Before trusting a new vendor, check them out. Sites like the BBB’s Scam Tracker or community forums like Reddit can offer insights into their reputation. Stay alert for any red flags that others have flagged.
Email & Text With Caution
Be careful with unexpected attachments or links in messages from unknown sources. And remember, safeguarding your personal information means never sharing it over email.
Think Twice Before Sharing Personal Info
If you find yourself on an unfamiliar website, hesitate before entering any personal details. To be safe, manually type the business’s official website into your browser rather than clicking on links.
Fortify Your Online Accounts
Strengthen your digital defenses by using unique passwords for each account. Don’t share passwords, and update your login information periodically. Also, activate two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Be Aware of Phone Scams
“Vishing” is a form of data phishing that’s conducted via phone. If a phone call seems dubious, trust your instincts. Hang up, and contact the company directly using their official number.
Regularly Check Bank Statements
With so many transactions happening at such high velocity, it’s easy to miss something suspicious. Regularly reviewing your statements for unauthorized purchases can help catch any anomalies early.
Prefer Credit Cards for Online Shopping
Credit cards typically offer better protection against fraud compared to debit cards, increasing your chances of recovering your money in case of a scam.
Exercise Caution with Gift Cards
Avoid purchasing gift cards from sketchy auction sites. Stick to well-known retailers instead. Also, if you’re buying a gift card in-store, ensure the cards haven’t been tampered with.
Finally, as a last pointer, if something seems too good to be true… it often is. Maintain a healthy skepticism and prioritize your safety to make the most of your holiday shopping.
