‘Tis the Season for Holiday Scams! The holidays are, for many people, a season of giving. Naturally, this can only mean one thing for cybercriminals: a season of scamming. Here are a few of the top scams to be on the look out for this holiday season.
Gift Cards
Gift cards, those perfect go-to presents for your hard-to-shop-for loved ones, are not just cherished by gift-givers; scammers love them, too. If you receive calls, texts, emails, or social media messages urging you to buy gift cards—like Google Play, Apple, or Amazon cards—and share the card number and PIN codes, beware! No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask you to pay with a gift card. Keep a copy of your gift card and store receipt and use them to report any suspicious activity to the gift card company to reclaim your money.
Fake Charities
In the spirit of giving, there are those who take advantage of charity scams through cold calls, email campaigns, crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, or fake social media accounts. Before hitting that donate button, take a moment to double-check the URL and charity name. Exercise caution and verify the credibility of charitable organizations, especially during the festive rush. If something feels off, it might just be a scam in disguise!
Mail/Shipping Notifications
With the excitement of holiday packages, scammers may attempt to trick you with phishing emails or text messages posing as reputable companies like FedEx, UPS, or Amazon. Be vigilant! Examine delivery notifications and email updates closely before clicking on any links or providing personal information. Remember, legitimate shippers like UPS and FedEx won’t ask for personal details via email or text message.
Online Shopping
As you explore shopping for the perfect gifts online, be wary of fraudsters offering too-good-to-be-true deals through phishing emails or online ads. These scams might promise popular products at unbelievably low prices or lure you with enticing gift cards. Be cautious of suspicious sites or advertisements promoting items at unrealistic discounts. Sadly, falling for these schemes can result in paying for a product, sharing personal information, and receiving nothing in return except a compromised identity. Stay vigilant and enjoy your online holiday shopping safely!
Be careful and take precautions to prevent these holiday scams from happening to you and your loved ones. If you are unsure if you’re in a situation that is a scam, give us a call at: 810-715-3542.