The 12 Scams of Christmas

16 de diciembre de 2024

by Christian Phillips

Amidst the hectic holiday season, it's easy to lose focus and let our guard down against scammers. To help you protect your identity and money, our experts have identified 12 common scams circulating this time of year and provided tips to avoid falling victim to them!

1. Fake Websites
During the holiday season, scammers take advantage of the popularity of online shopping environments. Scammers will create fake websites to replicate legitimate retailers and offer significant deals on popular items to attract consumers. An easy way to identify fake websites is to examine the URL. If the website's front page looks odd, direct your attention to the URL to find any spelling or letter substitutions you may have overlooked. For example, you want to shop online at Kohls.com, but the link you clicked on is K0hls.com. The substitution of the “o” for the number zero is minor, but easy to overlook at first glance.

2. Order Confirmations
Bogus order confirmations linked to the various fake websites and online shopping sites is another common phishing texts or email scam. When you order something online, ensure you know beforehand where the confirmation is going. Do not click on unknown links provided in emails or texts if you did not place an order from the retailer. Some common warning signs are:

Altered email addresses
Grammer issues in the body of the email
Requests additional payment or personal information to confirm order
Products listed in the text or email do not match what you ordered

3. Fake Gift Cards
Scammers will pose as legitimate companies and send you phony gift cards through text or email. The intent is to get you to click the link(s) and provide sensitive information such as name, date of birth, address, and banking information. If you ever receive one of the “Free” or “You Won” a gift card, do not fall for it. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Have you ever randomly received a free gift card from a company without knowing what might come? It is likely a phishing attempt if you are not anticipating anything from a company.

4. Fake Charities
Unfortunately, scammers impersonate well-known charities to take advantage of kind-hearted people wanting to give back to their communities. Before you donate, ensure you verify the legitimacy of the website and the charity to which you contribute. If you are donating money online, conduct a simple search of the charity followed by the word “scam” to see if others have voiced concern about the organization.

5. Holiday Apps
Holiday apps or mobile games might be fun, but they may leave you vulnerable to malware attacks. Whether you are downloading a Santa tracker or a fun holiday-themed game, scammers will create fake apps to collect your personal information. If you want to download a holiday-themed app, ensure you are using a reputable source, such as the default app stores on iPhone and Android devices.

6. Bogus Social Media Ads
Reputable companies will use social media to advertise holiday deals, as do scammers who create fake websites and social media accounts. Everyone wants to find the best deals, so clicking on those social media ads can be tempting before verifying the company's legitimacy. Before you click on that ad, do a quick search and look at reviews to see what other consumers say, especially if the company name is something you do not recognize.

7. Don’t Fall for the Dupes
Remember to be wary of “too good to be true” deals on popular items such as luxury clothes, electronics, toys, and other designer items. These generally turn out to be cheap knockoffs or counterfeit products. Stick with trusted/verified platforms and be apprehensive about buying from re-sellers on second-hand websites.

8. Temporary Holiday Jobs
Seasonal job opportunities also pose a threat. Scammers will post fake job postings to collect your personal information. In these scams, the scammer will have you pay for specific items or courses required to start. If you have applied somewhere and have been directed to do so, research the company and NEVER spend the money upfront before doing your due diligence. You can even directly contact the company to confirm a position is legitimate.

9. Cheap Pets
Scammers will often post ads for pets at low prices, only to disappear with your money once you make an online payment. To avoid falling for pet scams, never pay for a pet upfront without seeing it in person. You might also consider skipping the hassle altogether by adopting from a local animal shelter.

10. Holiday e-Cards
Digital holiday e-Cards are a fun and easy way to send family and friends personalized messages. It is also a good way for scammers to collect emails for new, unsuspecting victims. If you receive an e-card from an unrecognizable source, do not open it. Lastly, if you recognize the email of someone who sent you an e-card, verify with the sender before opening it.

11. Compromised Charging Stations
Cybercriminals can hack public charging stations, and when you plug your device in, your information can be stolen, or malware can be installed. Our experts do not recommend using public charging stations with provided USBs. Remember to charge your devices at home before you leave or invest in a portable charger that you can always carry with you.

12. Toll Collection Texts
Scammers will send fraudulent messages to impersonate state toll agencies, claiming you owe money. An easy workaround for this scam is to contact the agency directly if you believe you have overdue tolls.

The holiday season is a time to spend with family and friends, not to worry about scammers stealing your personal information. Stay alert and always verify any concerns if something seems off. Stay jolly and safe from scammers this holiday season.

The 12 Scams of Christmas

Related Posts

Protecting Your Business: Preventing ACH Fraud in the Digital Age

Beware of IRS Scams: How to Protect Yourself From Fraud

How to Identify Fake Checks

Defend Yourself Against Fake Check Scams

Estás a punto de salir de frandsenbank.com en español.