Top Holiday Scams to Avoid This Season: Stay Safe and Save Money

The holiday season is a time for spreading cheer, exchanging gifts, and reconnecting with loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also open season for scammers looking to cash in on your goodwill and generosity.

Whether it’s through fake charities, misleading social media ads, phishing emails, online scams, or scam phone calls, these grinchy schemes aim to swipe your cash faster than you can say, “Santa Claus is coming to town.”

Let’s unwrap some common scams, the best ways to avoid them, and what to do if you’ve already fallen victim to one. Stay vigilant this Christmas season to keep both your wallet and your holiday spirit intact.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For

Gift Card Scams

Ah, gift cards. They’re convenient, they fit neatly into holiday cards, and they’re practically tailor-made for scammers.

• The Empty Gift Card Trick: Scammers steal gift card codes from stores, leaving you with empty balances.
• Fake Gift Card Websites: Some fraudulent sites promise gift cards at a steep discount but only deliver heartbreak.
• Social Media Gift Exchanges: Ever seen posts offering a “Secret Sister” gift exchange? It’s often a pyramid scheme masked as holiday fun.
  

How to Avoid Gift Card Scams

• Only purchase gift cards from reputable retailers or directly from the retailer’s official website.
• Check the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker for reports of shady retailers.
• Never pay fees or “protect your money” using gift cards—this is a classic sign of a scam.
• Remember: Gift cards should be gifts, not a substitute for cash payments.

Online Purchase Scams

Who doesn’t love shopping online in their pajamas? Unfortunately, scammers love it, too.

Online scams, including fake websites and fraudulent sellers, have perfected the art of making dead-end purchases during the holiday shopping frenzy.

• Lookalike Websites: Scammers create fake online stores that mimic real ones. They steal sensitive data, leaving you empty-handed.
• Cheap Counterfeits: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use misleading social media ads to sell knockoffs.
• Puppy Scams: Looking for a fluffy addition to the family? Watch out for scammers promising pets that don’t exist.
  

How to Stay Safe

• Research sellers on trusted platforms like the Better Business Bureau before making purchases.
• Use a credit card for online purchases to add fraud protection.
• Be cautious of pop-up ads and suspicious links.
• Track package deliveries directly through the delivery service.
• Avoid clicking on fake shipping notifications that claim you need to “send money” to resolve delivery issues.
• Stay informed about the latest online scams and how to avoid them.

Fake Charities and Misleading Donation Requests

The spirit of charitable giving is alive and well during the holidays, but so are fraudulent charities preying on goodwill.

• Scammers set up fake websites and send bulk phishing emails posing as legitimate organizations.
• They often rely on impromptu donation decisions fueled by emotional appeals.

How to Avoid Scams When Donating

• Research charities on platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
• Avoid impromptu donations and verify URLs before donating.
• Be cautious of donation requests over phone calls or social media ads. Legitimate charities rarely pressure you to act immediately.

Job Scams and Employment Scams

Need a little extra cash this holiday season? Scammers know it, and they’re ready to exploit seasonal work seekers.

• Fake Temporary Holiday Jobs: Scammers post ads for jobs that don’t exist, collecting personal or financial information from hopeful applicants.
• Upfront Fees: Any “job” requiring you to send money first is a major red flag.

How to Stay Safe

• Verify seasonal work opportunities with the company directly.
• Research the business on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
• Never provide sensitive personal information unless you’re sure it’s legitimate.

Travel and Airfare Scams

The holiday season often means traveling to see family and friends, and scammers know it. They prey on your desire to find the best deals, leading to financial loss and even identity theft.

How to Avoid Travel Scams

To avoid travel scams, it’s essential to be cautious when booking flights, hotels, and rental cars online. Here are some tips to help you avoid travel scams:

• Research the company: Before booking a flight or hotel, research the company to ensure it’s legitimate. Check for reviews, ratings, and complaints on websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot.
• Be wary of unsolicited offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers or emails that promise discounted flights or hotels. These may be phishing scams designed to steal your personal or financial information.
• Verify the website: Make sure the website you’re booking on is secure and legitimate. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar.
• Read the fine print: Read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of your booking. Be aware of any hidden fees or charges.
• Use a credit card: Use a credit card to book your travel, as it offers more protection than a debit card or cash.
  

Protecting Your Identity, Identity Theft, and Belongings

Mail and Package Theft

Nothing says “happy holidays” like porch pirates swiping your carefully selected gifts.

• Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to keep track of your incoming mail.
• Require signatures for package deliveries when possible.
• Consider installing security cameras to deter theft.

Public Wi-Fi Scams and Card Skimming

Shopping online while sipping that holiday latte? Beware of hackers lurking on public Wi-Fi networks.

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data from identity thieves.
• Watch out for card skimming devices at ATMs and gas pumps.
• Be mindful of shoulder surfers trying to peek at your personal info.

Social Media Scams

From Facebook Marketplace to fake social media accounts, scammers are lurking everywhere on your feed:

• Fake Ads: Those holiday wish list items might lead you to fraudulent websites stealing your financial information.
• Receive Free Gift Cards Scams: Scammers promise gift cards in exchange for surveys or sharing posts. Spoiler alert: you’ll get nothing but spam.
• Secret Sister Scams: Avoid social media gift exchanges that ask for sensitive data or money.
  

How to Stay Safe on Social Media Sites

• Be skeptical of social media ads promising unrealistic deals.
• Avoid engaging with fake social media accounts or clicking suspicious links.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Staying Safe During the Holiday Season

Reporting Scams and Seeking Help

If you’ve fallen for a scam, don’t panic. Act quickly to minimize damage:

1. Freeze your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
2. Report scams to the Better Business Bureau, local law enforcement, or the Internal Revenue Service.
3. Document everything and report phishing scams or misleading ads to platforms hosting them.
4. Seek help from trusted family members or professionals.

Holiday Safety Tips to Avoid Scams

• Use a VPN whenever you’re shopping online in public places.
• Only download free apps from official app stores to avoid malware.
• Avoid fake toll collection texts asking for payment.
• Regularly check your online accounts for unusual activity.
• Steer clear of pop-up ads offering deals on holiday apps or advent calendars.
• Stay informed about the latest online scams and scam phone calls and how to avoid them.
  

Safe Gift Card Purchases

Gift cards are a popular gift during the holiday season, but they can also be a target for scammers. Here are some tips to help you make safe gift card purchases:

1. Purchase from authorized retailers: Purchase gift cards from authorized retailers, such as the company’s website or a physical store.
2. Check the card’s balance: Check the card’s balance before purchasing to ensure it’s not already used or tampered with.
3. Keep the card’s information secure: Keep the card’s information, such as the card number and PIN, secure, and do not share it with anyone.
4. Use the card promptly: Use the card promptly to avoid any potential issues or scams.
5. Report any issues: Report any issues or suspicious activity to the retailer or the gift card issuer immediately.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from travel, shopping, and gift card scams during the holiday season. Remember to always be cautious and do your research before making any purchases or bookings.

Spread Holiday Cheer, Not Your Personal Information

Scammers may try to steal your money and your holiday cheer, but with vigilance, you can outsmart them every time.

Whether you’re shopping online, supporting charitable giving, or sending holiday wish lists to family members, always double-check the legitimacy of websites, sellers, and donation requests.

Remember, the only surprise you want this season is what’s wrapped under the tree—not an empty wallet or stolen identity. Stay safe, savvy, and scam-free!

Happy holidays—and may your season be merry, bright, and free of fraudsters!

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