‘Tis the season of twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and holiday cheer! But while Santa’s checking his list twice, cybercriminals are hoping you’ll check yours just once – or not at all. Just as a mysterious reindeer trying to join Santa’s team might raise eyebrows, we want to help you spot those scammers attempting to blend in with your holiday celebrations.
Meet the Festive Fraudsters
Just as Rudolph’s red nose helped guide Santa’s sleigh, we’re here to shine a light on the warning signs of holiday scams. These “festive fraudsters” are trying to blend in with your holiday cheer but, like Rudolph, their true nature stands out if you know what to look for. Here are the seasonal swindlers you need to watch out for.
The Gift Card Grinch
Gift cards top many holiday shopping lists, and statistics show that Canadians purchase more gift cards during the holiday season than any other time of year. A concerning trend to watch out for this holiday season involves physical gift card tampering. Fraudsters remove gift cards from store displays, replace the legitimate barcodes with their own fake ones, and return the cards to the store. When an unsuspecting shopper purchases and loads money onto one of these tampered cards, the funds are actually deposited onto a different card controlled by the scammer. The victim is left with a worthless piece of plastic, and their holiday gift becomes a costly lesson in fraud.
Fortunately, there’s a simple way to protect yourself: before purchasing any gift card, run your finger along the barcode. If you feel a raised edge or anything that seems out of place, that’s a red flag that the card may have been tampered with. Also, carefully examine the packaging for any signs of tampering. Choose cards kept behind the counter when possible, and always keep your receipt until you’re certain the recipient has successfully used the card.
The Shop-and-Swipe Swindler
Holiday shopping means more credit card transactions, both online and in stores, and the Shop-and-Swipe Swindler is counting on this increased activity to hide their fraudulent charges. These criminals create sophisticated fake shopping websites offering amazing deals, or they may compromise payment systems in physical stores. During the holiday rush, when we’re making multiple purchases and possibly shopping at new or unfamiliar retailers, it’s easier to miss suspicious charges or fall for too-good-to-be-true deals.
Protecting yourself means being extra vigilant about where and how you shop. Before making online purchases, verify the website’s security and legitimacy. Look for “https://” in the address, research unfamiliar retailers, and be wary of deals that seem unrealistically good. Keep a close eye on your credit card statements, and consider using virtual card numbers for online shopping. Remember, saving a few dollars isn’t worth risking your financial security.
The Frosty Fake-Out Artist
Here’s a puzzling holiday scenario: you receive unexpected packages you never ordered. While it might seem like holiday magic, it’s actually a deceptive practice called “brushing.” These scammers send unsolicited packages to create fake verified purchase reviews, boosting their products’ rankings on online marketplaces. While getting free items might seem harmless or even lucky, this scam indicates that someone has access to your name and address – and possibly more of your personal information.
What makes this scam concerning is that it often signals a larger privacy breach. The scammers needed to obtain your personal information from somewhere, which means other aspects of your identity might be compromised. If you receive unexpected packages, report them to the marketplace where they originated. Change passwords on your online shopping accounts, and monitor your credit report for unauthorized activity. While free gifts might seem nice, protecting your personal information is far more valuable.
We're here to guide you safely through the holiday season
Remember, you’re not alone in navigating these holiday hazards – Sigma Loyalty Group is your trusted partner in helping you protect your personal information. Our dedicated agents are always ready to answer your questions and provide guidance on protecting your personal information during this busy season.
From all of us at Sigma, we wish you a safe, secure, and joyful holiday season. Remember, when in doubt, reach out – we’re always here to help you spot the scammer in the crowd.
Stay merry and vigilant!
