Tis the season for holiday scams. With so many distractions, from shopping and travel to holiday cheer, it's easy to let your guard down. But scammers are counting on that! Here are some common scams to watch out for and tips on how to avoid them
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Misleading Social Media Ads
The rise of social media shopping has made it easier to find great deals but also easier to fall for scams. BBB Scam Tracker receives daily reports of people paying for items that they never receive, charges for subscriptions they never signed up for, or receiving counterfeit goods. Before clicking “buy” on a social media ad, always research the company and check reviews to ensure it’s legitimate.
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Bogus Websites
Fake websites designed to mimic legitimate online stores are more common than you might think. These websites often steal your personal information, infect your device with malware, or at the very least deliver subpar products. Always double check the URL for spelling errors and make sure the website uses HTTPS, indicated by a locked padlock symbol in the address bar.
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Fake Shipping Notifications
Notifications about shipping details are commonplace, and scammers exploit this, especially during the holiday season. They’ll send fake emails and texts that look like shipping notifications with links that may contain malware, lead to phishing sites, or try to trick you into paying “new shipping fees.” If you want to track a package, find the original confirmation you received directly from the store and use that link.
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Free Gift Cards
Scammers often send phishing emails posing as legitimate companies, requesting personal information in order to send you free gift cards. Whether it's a text, pop-up ad, or email claiming you’ve won a gift card, don’t fall for it. Ignore these unsolicited offers and never click on any links or provide personal details.
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Holiday Wishlist Items
Holiday shopping often involves searching for the perfect gift but be wary of “too good to be true” deals on luxury goods, electronics, toys, and designer items. These often turn out to be cheap knockoffs or counterfeit products. Stick to trusted platforms and be cautious when buying from resellers on Facebook Marketplace or other second-hand sites.
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Malicious Holiday E-Cards
E-cards are a fun and easy way to send holiday greetings, but they can also be a Trojan Horse for malware. If you receive an e-card from someone you don’t recognize, delete it. If it’s from someone you know, confirm with them before opening the card to make sure they actually sent it.
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Fake Toll Collection Texts
If you’re traveling this holiday season, beware of scam texts claiming you owe a toll fee. These fraudulent messages impersonate state toll agencies and contain links to phony payment pages. If you think you owe tolls, verify your outstanding balance with the legitimate agency.
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Hacked Charging Stations
Public charging stations at airports, shopping malls, hospitals, and other public places can easily be hacked by cyber criminals. As soon as you plug in your device, your data could be stolen or malware installed. Always charge your device using your own charger and avoid using public USB charging stations whenever possible.
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Temporary Holiday Jobs
Seasonal job opportunities are abundant during the holidays, but so are job scams. Fraudsters may post fake listings for holiday work that steal your personal information or charge you fees for “training”. If a job offer seems too good to be true, research the company thoroughly and never pay money upfront for a job.
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Fake Charities
Scammers often exploit the ‘spirit of giving’ during the holiday season by creating fake charities. These fraudsters may impersonate well-known organizations or claim to be individuals in need. Before donating, take a moment to verify the charity’s legitimacy through trusted resources like BBB’s Give.org. Whenever possible, use a credit card to donate directly through the charity’s official website.
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Puppy Scams
Fraudulent sellers often post fake ads for adorable pets at low prices, only to disappear with your money. Experts estimate that 80% of pet ads online are scams. Always verify the seller’s legitimacy and never send money for a pet without seeing it in person. Be sure to do your research before adding a pet to your family so that you find the best fit and consider adopting from your local shelter, where you can see the pets in person and know where your money is going.
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Holiday Apps
From tracking Santa’s sleigh to holiday-themed games, there are many festive apps available within app stores. However, some free holiday apps may collect personal information or even contain malware. Be sure to check the app’s privacy policy, read user reviews, and only download apps from reputable sources.
The holiday season should be a time for celebration, not for falling victim to scams. By verifying offers and being cautious with personal information, you can fully enjoy your holiday season. Stay alert, and don’t let scammers steal your holiday spirit!