Holiday Scams to Avoid This Festive Season

The holiday season is upon us and so too are the scammers. As people rush to shop this holiday season, some may be forced to endure a traumatizing season with scammers out to haunt them. Holiday scams come in different shapes and sizes but with one thing in common, identity theft and stealing money from people. 

So, what are some of these holiday scams and how can you avoid them? Let’s find out, shall we?

How Holiday Scams Work

There are several ways you can get scammed this festive period. Here are some of the most common holiday scams you should avoid;

Non-Delivery Scams

Ever seen a deal that seems too good to be true? It probably is. Non-delivery scams happen when you order something online, pay for it, and then… nothing. No item, no refund, just silence. These scams often pop up on fake websites or through ads on social media promoting high-demand products at ridiculously low prices.

How to Avoid It:

• Stick to reputable retailers you trust.
• Double-check website URLs for typos or slight variations (e.g., amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com).
• Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, like credit cards or payment platforms with refund policies.

Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a holiday favorite, and scammers know it. These scams typically involve someone asking you to pay for something using gift cards. Once the scammer gets the card details, they drain the balance, leaving you with nothing.

How to Avoid It:

• Never pay for goods or services with a gift card—it’s a major red flag.
• Buy gift cards directly from stores or trusted sources.
• Inspect the packaging to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.

Fake Charity Scams

The holidays bring out the spirit of giving, but scammers exploit this goodwill by creating fake charities. They’ll tug at your heartstrings with emotional stories and urgent pleas for donations, only to pocket your money instead of helping those in need.

How to Avoid It:

• Research charities before donating—legitimate organizations will have a solid online presence.
• Be cautious of pressure to donate immediately or through unusual payment methods.
• Use official charity websites to donate directly.

Phishing Emails and Texts

Scammers get creative during the holidays, sending fake emails or texts that appear to be from popular retailers, delivery companies, or even your bank. These messages often contain links to “track your package” or “verify your account,” but they’re designed to steal your personal information.

How to Avoid It:

• Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Check email addresses carefully—scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones.
• Visit retailer or bank websites directly instead of using links from emails or texts.

Travel Scams

Planning a holiday getaway? Be cautious of scammers offering unbelievably cheap flights, accommodations, or vacation packages. You might pay upfront, only to find out the booking never existed.

How to Avoid It:

• Book travel through reputable platforms or directly with airlines and hotels.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Confirm bookings by contacting the airline, hotel, or service provider directly.

Pop-Up Holiday Stores

Temporary holiday shops can be a great place to find unique gifts, but some are set up solely to scam you. These stores might disappear after the holidays, leaving you with defective products or no products at all. We recently covered such a case with Greenplantsed.com review, which was part of a larger scam network involving Selon Company Limited.

How to Avoid It:

• Pay with credit cards so you can dispute charges if necessary.
• Research the store if it’s unfamiliar, even if it’s a physical location.
• Be cautious of “final sale” policies and ask about return options.

Quick Tips for Smarter Shopping this Holiday Season and Beyond

In 2023 alone, non-payment and non-delivery scams drained over $309 million from unsuspecting shoppers, while credit card fraud added another $173 million to the tally, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). What’s even more telling? The IC3 is flooded with complaints early each year, a clear sign that holiday shopping scams leave their mark long after the festive lights come down. It’s a costly reminder that scammers don’t take holidays—they cash in on them. The FBI advises people to use the following tips to avoid holiday scams; 

Avoid Suspicious Links and Attachments

• Don’t click on strange links or attachments in emails, websites, or social media.
• Be extra cautious if you’re asked to provide personal information.

Check Website Security

• Look for the padlock icon and “https” in the website URL to ensure it’s secure.
• If the site seems untrustworthy or the URL looks odd, move on.

Research Sellers Before Buying

• Read reviews—avoid sellers with mostly bad reviews or none at all.
• Be cautious of those claiming to be official dealers in unlikely locations or giving excuses like being “out of the country.”

Beware of Sketchy Deals

• Say no to suspicious shipping arrangements or offers to dodge customs and taxes.
• Avoid risky payments like wire transfers or prepaid gift cards.

Keep Records 

• Dispute any suspicious transactions immediately.
• Save all purchase details, including tracking numbers and shipping info, to stay organized.

Bottom Line: Shop Smart and Safely

Scammers thrive on urgency and emotion, so take a moment to think before making a decision. Verify offers, research sellers and charities, and only share sensitive information after double-checking the source.

The holidays should be a time for joy, not stress. By keeping an eye out for these scams and following safe shopping practices, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to holiday fraud. Happy (and safe) holidays!

Image Source: Unsplash.com