Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping scams are prevalent during the holiday season, with scammers setting up fake websites or online marketplaces to trick shoppers into making purchases. These counterfeit platforms often offer attractive discounts on popular items but never deliver the products. Keep in mind that sponsorship posts and ads on social media can be targeted scams. 

Example: You come across a website claiming to sell the latest gaming console at a deeply discounted price. You make the purchase, but the product never arrives, and the website vanishes.

How to Avoid: Always buy from reputable online retailers and check for secure website indicators like “https://” and padlock symbols in the address bar. Read reviews and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are a common tactic used by scammers to steal personal information. They often pose as legitimate companies like banks or retailers and request sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or login credentials.

Example: You receive an email claiming to be from a well-known online site, asking you to click on a link to verify your account information. The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your details.

How to Avoid: Always double-check the sender’s email address, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never share personal information via email. Contact the company directly to confirm any requests. Bold calls to action, spelling errors, or blurry images indicate a scam email. 

Gift Card Scams

Scammers may approach you with discounted or free gift card offers, asking for personal information or payment in return. They use these details to commit identity theft or make unauthorized charges. In addition, no business will ever ask you to purchase gift cards to pay them.

Example: You receive a text message claiming you’ve won a $100 gift card to a popular retailer but need to provide personal information or make a small payment to claim it.

How to Avoid: Be cautious of unsolicited messages offering free gifts, and never share personal or financial information with unknown sources. Verify the offer’s legitimacy directly with the retailer. To stay safe, never click on links. 

Charity Scams

The holiday season often inspires generosity, but it also attracts charity scammers who impersonate legitimate organizations to solicit donations that never reach those in need. These kinds of solicitations come in many different forms: calls, emails, text messages, or in-person. 

Example: Someone knocks on your door or contacts you via email, claiming to represent a reputable charity, and asks for your credit card information to make a donation. Some scammers will even create fake charities. 

How to Avoid: Research charities before donating, verify their authenticity, and donate directly through official websites or trusted channels. Be cautious of unsolicited requests.

Travel Scams

Planning holiday travel can be stressful, making us vulnerable to travel scams. Scammers may offer tempting vacation deals, but the accommodations or services often fall short or don’t exist. Be aware of deals that seem too good to be true; odds are it is. If you travel alone, be extra cautious of cheap vacation deals, as criminals use these kinds of scams to draw people in for horrible purposes.  

Example: You find a travel package that promises a luxurious vacation at a fraction of the cost but later discover the hotel reservation is fake or the flights are nonexistent.

How to Avoid: Research travel deals thoroughly, book through reputable travel agencies or websites, and read reviews from previous customers. Be wary of overly discounted offers. Double-check email addresses for misspellings and ensure hotel or resort logos are correct. 

Fake Delivery Notices

Scammers exploit the surge in holiday package deliveries by sending fake delivery notices via email or text. These messages contain malware or lead to phishing sites designed to steal personal information.

Example: You receive an email claiming that a delivery attempt failed and that you must click a link to reschedule. Clicking the link exposes your device to malware.

How to Avoid: Verify the legitimacy of delivery notifications with the courier company directly. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages and use official tracking services.

Social Media Scams

Scammers often use social media sites to promote fake giveaways, contests, or sweepstakes that ask for personal information or money upfront. Most official social media accounts never ask you for money or personal information. Social media influencers rarely, if ever, send out private messages asking for things. 

Example: You come across a Facebook page offering a chance to win a high-end smartphone by filling out a form that requests your personal information.

How to Avoid: Be cautious of social media posts from unknown accounts and verify the legitimacy of contests or giveaways with well-known brands’ official social media profiles. A good rule of thumb is never to give out your personal information for any reason, even if it means not winning a new iPhone. Protecting your personal information is more important than winning a giveaway. 

Rental Scams

Holiday travelers looking for temporary accommodations may fall victim to rental scams. Scammers create fake rental listings or demand upfront payments for non-existent properties.

Example: You book a cozy cabin for a holiday getaway on a rental website, pay a deposit, and arrive at the location only to find out it doesn’t exist.

How to Avoid: Use reputable rental websites, communicate directly with property owners, and pay through secure platforms. Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true listings.

Tech Support Scams

Scammers posing as tech support agents often target individuals during the holidays. They claim your device is infected and ask for remote access or payment for unnecessary services. It is probably a scam if someone asks you to download a third-party application onto your device to help you. 

Example: You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from a well-known tech company, stating that your computer has a virus and requesting payment for remote tech support. 

How to Avoid: Never grant unsolicited callers remote access to your devices. Contact tech support directly through the official customer service channels of the company in question.

In-Person Scams

Scammers are not limited to the virtual world; they can also exploit in-person interactions. During holiday shopping or events, be cautious of pickpockets, counterfeit merchandise, or individuals seeking to take advantage of your generosity. Be aware of those around you. Some people will try to look over your shoulder to get card numbers, pin numbers, and other personal information. 

Example: Someone distracts you at a crowded holiday market while an accomplice steals your wallet or purse.

How to Avoid: Stay alert in crowded places, keep an eye on your belongings, and securely use cash or credit cards. Avoid making impulsive donations to individuals without proper identification.

Conclusion 

The holiday season should be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and informed about the various scams that can target you or your loved ones during this time. By recognizing these common holiday season scams and following the provided tips to stay safe, you can enjoy the festivities while protecting yourself from fraudsters. 

Stay informed, stay safe, and have a jolly holiday season. For more security tips, visit our Security Archives – Texas Regional Bank website.