The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but unfortunately, they are also a prime time for scammers. Knowing their tactics can protect you from falling victim.
Common Holiday Scams
- Fake Online Stores and Social Media Ads⁚ Scammers create convincing websites or ads offering incredible deals on popular gifts. These sites often steal your payment information or never deliver the promised goods. Always verify a website’s legitimacy before making a purchase.
- Phishing Emails and Texts⁚ These messages mimic legitimate companies like delivery services or banks, attempting to trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. Be wary of unexpected emails or texts requesting sensitive data.
- Fake Charities⁚ Scammers exploit the spirit of giving by creating fake charities to solicit donations. Research charities thoroughly before donating and verify their legitimacy through independent sources.
- Delivery Scams⁚ With increased online shopping, fake delivery notifications are rampant. These messages often contain links to malware or phishing sites. Track your packages directly through the retailer or shipping company’s website.
- Gift Card Scams⁚ Scammers may tamper with gift cards in stores, stealing the activation codes. Inspect gift cards carefully before purchasing and avoid cards with scratched-off PINs.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Be Skeptical⁚ If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Question unusually low prices or promises of guaranteed gifts.
- Verify Websites⁚ Double-check website URLs for misspellings or suspicious domain names. Look for secure “https” connections and padlock icons.
- Research Charities⁚ Before donating, verify a charity’s registration and reputation through websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
- Monitor Accounts⁚ Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity. Report suspicious transactions immediately.
- Use Strong Passwords⁚ Create unique, complex passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Be Cautious of Links⁚ Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, type the website address directly into your browser.
- Report Suspicious Activity⁚ If you encounter a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the relevant platform (e.g., social media site, online marketplace).
Staying Safe During the Holidays
By staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy a scam-free holiday season. Remember to always double-check information, trust your instincts, and report any suspicious activity.