Scammers love the holidays as much as we do—just for very different reasons. With online shopping and charitable giving on the rise, fake websites, fraudulent ads, and too-good-to-be-true deals are everywhere.
Holiday Shopping
Be vigilant, watch out for these common holiday shopping scams:
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: If the price seems unreal, it probably is.
- Fake Social Media Ads: Verify deals on official accounts before clicking.
- Delivery Text Scams: Don’t click links or share personal info from unexpected texts.
- Lookalike Online Shops: Double-check URLs and use search engines to find official sites.
- Phishing Emails & Texts: Be alert for fake confirmations or urgent requests
Holiday Giving
Here’s how to protect yourself and give wisely:
- Research Charities: When giving, search for reputable organizations via trusted resources like BBB Wise Giving Alliance, CharityWatch, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
- Choose Safe Payment Methods: Avoid cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. Use credit cards or checks, and keep donation records.
- Watch for Scams: Be cautious of pressure tactics, vague claims, and misleading names. Never donate in exchange for sweepstakes promises.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov or nasconet.org to report scams.
For more information, check out this article from the National Cybersecurity Alliance, Safe Online Holiday Shopping.
Stay safe and enjoy the season!