December 9, 2024 | Healthy lifestyles
The holiday season, a time of giving and celebration, unfortunately also sees a rise in scams targeting personal information and money. Scammers exploit the festive rush and the generosity that comes with it, using a range of deceptive tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals. To help protect consumers and raise awareness, organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation issue annual warnings about the most prevalent holiday scams. Keep your holiday season safe by familiarizing yourself with these scams and learning how to protect yourself.
Social media and online scams
Social media is a prime breeding ground for holiday scams, particularly through fraudulent advertisements and reseller marketplaces. They may promote discounted luxury goods or popular holiday products like advent calendars, but shoppers often receive poor-quality products or nothing at all. Imposter scams are also common, with fake websites mimicking legitimate sellers to steal personal information or money. According to the BBB, “online purchase scams were the third riskiest scam reported by consumers in 2023.” Deals that seem too good to be true often are. Always research the seller before making a purchase.
Gift exchanges are another social media scam. Promising multiple gifts in exchange for sending one, these exchanges are often illegal pyramid schemes. Scammers may also pose as friends offering free items or gift cards. Confirm with your friend before participating.
Gift card scams
Scammers frequently use gift cards, posing as businesses or government agencies claiming you owe money and must pay with a gift card. Legitimate organizations will never ask for payment this way. Scammers may also offer free gift cards in exchange for personal information, which can lead to identity theft.
Package delivery scams
As online shopping surges during the holidays, so do package delivery scams. Fake emails or texts from scammers posing as delivery companies claim issues with your package and prompt you to click a malicious link. Always track packages through official websites or apps and avoid clicking suspicious links.
Pet scams
During the holidays, many people look to add a pet to their family, and scammers take advantage of this. Fake online pet advertisements are rampant, with fraudsters asking for payment upfront and then requesting additional funds for things like insurance or vaccinations. In most cases, the pet doesn’t exist.
To protect yourself, always meet the pet in person before making any payments. If the seller refuses or makes excuses, it’s likely a scam. Be cautious when shopping for pets online and avoid sending money without verifying the legitimacy of the seller and the animal.
Holiday job scams
Fake job offers are common during the holiday season. Scammers post high-paying jobs and ask for personal information like your Social Security number. Be cautious, and research the company before accepting any offers. Legitimate employers won’t request personal information upfront.
Fake charity scams
The season of giving also sees an increase in fake charity scams. Scammers create fake websites or make phone calls asking for donations to non-existent charities. Before donating, it’s essential to verify the charity’s authenticity. You can check a charity’s status through the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, ensuring that your donation goes to a legitimate cause.
How to protect yourself
To avoid falling victim to these scams, follow these safety tips:
- Research thoroughly before making purchases, especially from unfamiliar sellers or websites.
- Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or text messages related to package deliveries or job offers.
- Verify charities through trusted sources like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance before donating.
- Never provide personal information or payment details to someone you don’t know or haven’t verified.
The holiday season should be a time of joy and giving, and by staying aware of these scams, you can protect yourself and enjoy a safe and scam-free celebration.