'Tis the season for festive cheer, but unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers to target your holiday spirit and hard-earned cash. Here's how to stay vigilant and avoid common scams this season.
Classic Scams with a Twist
- Phishing Emails: These emails, often disguised as delivery notifications, shipping companies or even “Santa,” pressure you to click on links or share personal information. Be wary of generic greetings, grammatical errors and urgency tactics. Look closely at email addresses (they might be slightly misspelled) and never click on suspicious attachments.
- Fake Charities: The generosity of the season attracts scammers posing as fake charities. Before donating, research the organization on Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Verify website addresses – a typo could lead to a bogus site. Consider donating directly on the charity’s website instead of following links in emails or social media posts.
New Threats to Watch Out For
- Social Media Scams: Beware of enticing deals and giveaways advertised on social media platforms. Scammers might use fake accounts or hijack legitimate ones to promote bogus websites or lure victims into malware traps. Never share personal information or click on suspicious links on social media.
- QR Code Capers: QR codes are becoming increasingly popular. Scammers can embed malicious links within QR codes, leading you to phishing sites or malware downloads. Only scan codes from trusted sources. If unsure, manually type the website address instead of scanning the code.
- Fake Payment Apps: With the rise of mobile wallets, fake payment apps have emerged. Always download apps directly from verified app stores (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and avoid clicking on download links from unknown sources. Check reviews and developer information before installing any app.
General Safe Shopping Tips
- Shop on Reputable Sites: Stick to well-known online retailers with secure payment gateways. Look for the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar and ensure the website URL starts with “https” (indicating secure connection).
- Beware of “Too Good to be True” Deals: If a deal seems unbelievably cheap, it probably is. Do your research and compare prices before purchasing from unfamiliar websites.
- Secure Your Packages: Consider requiring signature confirmation for valuable deliveries. If you’re expecting a package while you’re out, see if a neighbor can collect it for you or utilize a service like Amazon Lockers for secure drop-off.
Bonus Tip: Be wary of unsolicited phone calls offering holiday deals. Legitimate businesses won’t pressure you into making a decision on the spot.
By following these tips, you can navigate the holiday shopping season with confidence and avoid falling victim to scams. Happy Holidays!