The holiday season is a time for giving, celebrating, and shopping—but it’s also prime time for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting victims. With so much of our holiday shopping, planning, and communicating happening online, the opportunities for scams are abundant. Here are some common holiday scams to watch out for and tips to stay safe.
1. Fake Online Stores
Scammers are getting crafty, often creating fake websites that look just like the real deal. They lure you in with "too-good-to-be-true" offers, hoping you'll hand over your payment info without a second thought.
Here’s How to Spot Them:
Always check the website URL for any misspellings or odd characters.
Look for reviews and ratings to ensure the site is legit.
Be cautious of deals that seem way too discounted compared to other retailers.
Pro Tip: Stick with trusted retailers or official apps, and make sure to double-check the URL before you hit that purchase button.
2. Phishing Emails & Texts
As the holidays roll around, be extra cautious—phishing attempts skyrocket, often masquerading as shipping companies, retailers, or charities. These sneaky messages usually contain links that lead to malicious sites or ask for your personal info.
Red Flags:
Messages from unfamiliar senders or generic greetings like "Dear Customer."
Urgent phrases like "Act now to claim your gift!"
Links that don’t match the official website of the company.
Tip: Never click on suspicious links. Instead, go directly to the retailer or courier’s official website.
3. Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are a holiday staple, but they’re also a go-to for scammers. Be wary of anyone asking for payment in gift cards or selling counterfeit ones.
What to Watch For:
Sellers offering discounted gift cards on unverified platforms.
Scammers pretending to be friends or family asking for gift card payments.
Tip: Only buy gift cards from trusted retailers. Never share the code from the back of a gift card with anyone.
4. Fake Charity Appeals
During the season of giving, cybercriminals often set up fake charities or impersonate real ones.
Signs of a Scam:
High-pressure tactics urging you to donate immediately.
Requests for unusual payment methods, like wire transfers or gift cards.
A lack of transparency about how donations will be used.
Tip: Always verify charities on sites like Charity Navigator before donating.
5. Social Media Scams
Scammers are also lurking on social media, promoting fake giveaways, fraudulent ads, or bogus "holiday jobs."
Common Tactics:
Fake contests that require personal details to enter.
Ads for high-demand items at prices that seem too good to be true.
Job postings asking for upfront payments or excessive personal info.
Tip: Always research the company or account behind the post and avoid sharing sensitive information online.
6. Package Delivery Scams
With all the deliveries during the holidays, scammers send out fake notifications claiming there are issues with your shipment.
How They Trick You:
Phishing texts or emails with links to “resolve” shipping issues.
Fake delivery notices demanding fees to release your package.
Tip: Use tracking tools from official shipping companies, and steer clear of unexpected links.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season
The holidays should be all about joy, not stressing over scams. By staying alert and informed, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind. Share this post with friends and family to spread the word—together, we can outsmart cybercriminals.
For more tips on protecting yourself online, check out Riding Hood Solutions and stay tuned for our upcoming online course, Cyber Self-Defense 101.
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