The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and celebration—but it’s also prime time for scammers looking to exploit busy shoppers and generous gift-givers. Here are some of the most common holiday scams to watch out for and tips on how to protect yourself.
Scammers create fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers to trick shoppers into buying items that never arrive.
How to Avoid:
Shop only at trusted websites.
Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon.
Read reviews and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Fraudsters send emails or texts posing as well-known retailers, delivery services, or even charities, urging you to click on malicious links.
How to Avoid:
Don’t click on links from unknown senders.
Verify messages by visiting official websites directly.
Be cautious of urgent language or requests for personal information.
Gift cards are a popular holiday gift—and a prime target for scammers. They might tamper with cards in stores or trick people into paying fake bills with gift cards.
How to Avoid:
Buy gift cards from reputable sources.
Inspect gift cards for signs of tampering.
Never use gift cards to pay unexpected bills or fees.
The season of giving inspires many to donate to charities, but scammers often pose as legitimate organizations.
How to Avoid:
Research charities on websites like Charity Navigator.
Donate through official charity websites, not links from emails or social media.
Be wary of high-pressure donation tactics.
With the rise of online shopping, fake package delivery notifications are more common than ever.
How to Avoid:
Track packages using official carrier websites.
Ignore unexpected delivery notifications requesting personal information.
Scammers create fake contests promising big prizes in exchange for personal details or account logins.
How to Avoid:
Only enter contests from verified company accounts.
Never share sensitive information to claim a prize.
The best defense against holiday scams is awareness. Share these tips with family and friends to help everyone enjoy a safer holiday season. If you encounter a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Stay safe, and happy holidays from all of us at Elevate Credit Union!
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