‘Tis the Season for Gift Giving — and for Scammers to Strike
The holidays bring out the best in people — but they also attract fraudsters looking to take advantage of your generosity and busy schedule. Holiday fraud scams come in many forms: fake online stores, bogus delivery notifications, charity impersonators, and even counterfeit seasonal job offers.
How Common Are Holiday Scams?
According to AARP, 82% of U.S. consumers have been targeted by at least one type of holiday-related fraud. Over 56% reported receiving fake shipping notices from imposters posing as USPS, FedEx, or UPS. And in 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that non-payment and non-delivery scams cost consumers more than $309 million in losses.
Common Holiday Fraud Scams to Watch Out For
- Gift Card Fraud: Scammers convince victims to pay with gift cards or drain balances from legitimate cards.
- Online Shopping Scams: Too-good-to-be-true deals or pop-up ads can lead to fake websites. Always verify the seller and ensure the site is secure (look for https).
- Donation Fraud: Criminals pose as charities or create fake fundraisers to collect money or personal information.
- Fake Seasonal Jobs: Scammers lure job seekers with flexible “work-from-home” offers that lead to identity theft or illegal money transfers.
- Delivery Notification Scams: Fraudulent texts or emails claim there’s a “missed delivery” and prompt you to click a malicious link.
How to Protect Yourself
- Shop safely: Use credit cards for online purchases; they offer zero liability for unauthorized charges.
- Verify before you pay: Never wire money or use prepaid gift cards for purchases.
- Watch your deliveries: Track packages and avoid leaving them unattended.
- Secure your inbox: Use spam filters and be cautious of unfamiliar links.
- Research before donating: Confirm legitimacy through Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.
- Stay alert when job hunting: Real employers will never ask for money or personal financial details upfront.
If You Fall Victim to a Scam
- File a police or mail fraud report.
- Contact your bank and credit card providers immediately.
- Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Alert the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the IRS complaint center about fake businesses or charities.
- Monitor your credit and consider a temporary freeze with the major credit bureaus.
A Final Word
We know the holidays are a time for giving — but that shouldn’t include giving away your personal information.
Stay vigilant, use trusted payment methods, and remember: we’re always here to help protect what matters most.
Stay safe. Stay secure. Stay merry.
We’re Here for It!