5 Common Holiday Scams To Be Aware of During the Holidays

Fraud and scams are prevelant during the holiday shopping season as many consumers are caught off-guard and made victims. However, in addition to email scams, there are still 5 other tactics to look out for, according to Fox News.

1. Beware the Package Delivery Scam

Be wary of fake USPS links and realize that you may receive texts linking to an alleged package delivery update, which could be an attempt to deceive you. Fraudulent links may closely resemble legitimate ones, so always check that you’re being directed to the correct site. Additionally, be wary of poor grammar or odd lingo in such messages – these are often telltale scam indicators.

To safeguard your delivery experience, cross-verify any parcel-related communication with your order confirmation or tracking details provided by the courier service. Always enable robust antivirus software on your devices for added protection.

2. Spotting Charity Scams

The season of goodwill often emboldens scammers who pose as charitable organizations. They may impersonate legitimate charities or fabricate their own to exploit your generosity. Before donating, thoroughly research the organization, particularly if approached spontaneously. Ensure you’re contributing through an official channel and double-check the organization’s name for slight changes or misspellings.

3. Social Media Gift Exchange Scam

The Better Business Bureau warns against another scam disguised as an online “Secret Santa” gift exchange. While it may appear as a fun activity, these are often pyramid schemes leaving many participants disappointed. To avoid falling for this, abstain from participating in gift exchanges with strangers. It’s hard to guarantee the recipient isn’t a scammer.

4. Gift Card Scams

Scammers have myriad tactics to deceive you using gift cards. If possible, opt for online gift cards purchased from official websites for added security. If buying in-person, check the packaging for any signs of tampering. Scammers often steal gift card details and disguise their interference, leaving you with a worthless piece of plastic.

5. Fake Online Shopping Sites Scams

Scammers often set up fraudulent online shopping sites to steal personal and financial information. These websites may offer enticingly low prices or exclusive deals to lure you in. Furthermore, “They may offer products at very low prices or claim to have limited-time deals or exclusive items. They may also send you phishing emails or text messages with links to these fake sites.”

To steer clear of these scams, stick to known and trusted online stores and remember the adage, “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”