How to Protect Yourself During the Season of Giving
The holiday season is a time for giving, but unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts to take advantage of people’s generosity and busy schedules. From fake delivery notifications to fraudulent charities, holiday scams come in many forms, and they often target older adults or those who are distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common holiday scams and provide actionable tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim.
1. Holiday Mail Scams
With the increase in online shopping during the holidays, scammers often exploit package deliveries to trick consumers. They may send fake shipping notifications via email or text, claiming that a package is waiting for you. These messages often include links to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your device.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Delivery Notifications: Always check the sender’s email address or phone number before clicking on any links. Legitimate companies like FedEx, UPS, and USPS will never ask for personal information via email or text.
- Track Your Packages: Use official tracking numbers provided by the retailer or delivery service to monitor your packages. Avoid relying on unsolicited messages.
- Secure Your Deliveries: If you’re expecting multiple packages, consider having them delivered to a secure location such as your workplace or a trusted neighbor’s home. You can also use services like Amazon Lockers for added security.
For more tips on protecting your personal information from phishing scams, visit FTC.gov.
2. Holiday Shopping Scams
Scammers know that people are shopping more during the holidays, so they create fake websites and social media ads offering deals that seem too good to be true. These fraudulent retailers may steal your payment information or send counterfeit products—or nothing at all.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Shop on Trusted Websites: Stick to well-known retailers with secure websites (look for “https” in the URL). Be cautious of unfamiliar sites offering deep discounts.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Never enter payment information while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Wait until you’re on a secure network before making purchases.
- Use Credit Cards: Paying with a credit card offers more protection than debit cards if you need to dispute a charge or get a refund.
For more advice on safe online shopping, check out resources from the Better Business Bureau.
3. Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are a popular holiday gift, but they’re also a common target for scammers. Fraudsters may tamper with gift card racks in stores or create fake online listings for discounted gift cards.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Buy Gift Cards from Secure Locations: Instead of purchasing gift cards from open racks in stores, ask for them directly at the counter or buy them online from reputable retailers.
- Inspect Gift Cards Before Purchase: Check that the protective scratch-off area is intact and that there are no signs of tampering.
- Be Wary of Online Deals: Avoid buying discounted gift cards from third-party sellers unless you’re using a trusted platform like Gift Card Granny.
4. Charity Scams
The holidays are a time when many people give back by donating to charities. Unfortunately, scammers often create fake charities or impersonate legitimate ones to steal donations.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Research Before Donating: Verify charities through trusted resources like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
- Avoid Pressure Tactics: Be cautious of charities that pressure you into making an immediate donation. Take your time to research where your money is going.
- Donate Directly Through Official Channels: Always donate through the charity’s official website rather than through links in unsolicited emails or social media posts.
For more information on avoiding charity scams, visit AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
5. Imposter Scams
Imposter scams involve fraudsters pretending to be someone you trust—such as a family member, law enforcement officer, or government official—demanding money for an emergency situation. During the holidays, these scams often take the form of “grandparent scams,” where scammers claim that a loved one is in trouble and needs immediate financial assistance.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Before Sending Money: If someone claims to be a family member in need of money, contact other relatives directly using known phone numbers before taking any action.
- Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying details.
- Don’t Pay with Gift Cards or Wire Transfers: Legitimate organizations will never ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by an imposter scam, report it immediately through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Conclusion
The holidays should be a time of joy and giving—not stress caused by falling victim to scammers. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from common holiday scams.If you think you’ve been scammed or have encountered suspicious activity, report it to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at ncdoj.gov.For more resources on staying safe from scams year-round, visit Secure Home Network for expert advice on protecting your personal information and securing your devices against cyber threats.