The holiday season is one of the most joyous times of the year, filled with the warmth of family, the excitement of gift-giving, and the beauty of twinkling lights. However, it’s also a time when we need to be especially vigilant against the threat of identity theft and fraud.
Unfortunately, scammers are constantly devising new ways to trick unsuspecting victims, and the holiday season is a particularly popular time for them to launch their attacks. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be easy to let our guards down and become distracted, but it’s important to remember that taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in protecting ourselves and our loved ones.
Here are some of the most common scams you should watch out for over the holidays.
Delivery Scams
Delivery scams usually begin with a text, email, or phone call claiming difficulties in delivering your package. They often request you to sign into your account to get updated information on your order or ask for you to provide payment details for supposed duties owed on your packages. These fake messages may appear convincing at first glance, but you could wind up with a virus or malware on your computer or giving up personal or payment information that can be used for fraud. If you receive an unexpected message, think twice before giving out any information or clicking on any links. The best idea is to log into the retailer’s site directly as you’ll be able to find any important information regarding your order there.
Gift Card Scams
Everyone loves gift cards at the holidays, and scammers know this. Gift card scams typically come in the form of fake gift cards or requests for payment using gift cards. These scams can be particularly convincing as they often use logos, language, and designs similar to legitimate companies. If someone asks you to pay with a gift card, it’s almost always a scam. And if you receive an email claiming you’ve received a gift card you weren’t expecting, be cautious and don’t click on any links or attachments. Instead, contact the sender to make sure that gift card is really legitimate. Lastly, if you’re buying a physical gift card, check that the protective sticker on the card hasn’t been tampered with. You could end up gifting a fraudster rather than your intended recipient.
Charity Scams
During the holiday season, we often feel more charitable and are willing to donate to those in need. Unfortunately, scammers also take advantage of this generosity by creating fake charity organizations or impersonating legitimate ones. They may use emotional pleas or pressure tactics to persuade you to donate but be sure to research the organization before giving any money. Legitimate charities will have a website and a track record of their past work, so it’s always a good idea to do your due diligence before donating. And never give out personal or payment information over the phone, email, or through social media.
Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that fraudsters may combine these scams to make them even more convincing. For instance, you might receive a message from a ‘charity’ asking you to donate using gift cards. Sounds noble, right? But, unfortunately for you, it’s a typically clever ploy by scammers to part you from your money and help them avoid detection.
So while you’re busy decking the halls and wrapping presents, don’t forget to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, and take steps to safeguard your personal information. By staying informed and alert, we can all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season that’s free from the worry of identity theft and fraud.
